Thousands of residents in south central Kansas remain without power after storms swept through the region, downing trees and power lines.

Most of the damage from Thursday’s storms was reported near Wichita, where about 13,000 customers remained without power early Friday, down from a peak of about 21,000. The utility said it hoped to have power restored by Friday night. Power outages also were reported in Harvey, McPherson and Reno counties.

The National Weather Service says winds topped 70 mph, causing limbs to fall on cars and homes and knock down power poles. Winds also damaged some fireworks stands set up for the upcoming holiday.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says winds blew over a semi-trailer truck on the Kansas Turnpike Thursday evening. The driver was hospitalized with critical injuries.

In western Saline County trees and power lines were blown down.