Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, is grappling with significant power outages following a lightning strike during severe storms early Saturday, February 15, 2025. The strike led to campus-wide electrical disruptions, affecting both academic and residential buildings.
Immediate Impact and Response
The lightning strike occurred around 4 a.m. on February 15, causing a complete power outage across the university.
Emergency generators were activated to supply electricity to essential facilities, including residence halls, ensuring students had access to basic amenities. However, many academic and administrative buildings remained without power throughout the weekend.
In response to the outage, university officials canceled all classes—both in-person and online—for Monday, February 17.
Despite the cancellations, essential campus operations continued. Dining services at Winslow Dining Hall and Chick-fil-A operated as usual, and the Curris Center and Waterfield Library remained open to serve students and staff. Conversely, the Bauernfeind Wellness Center was closed due to the ongoing power issues.
Progress in Restoration Efforts
By Sunday afternoon, February 16, crews had restored electricity to several buildings on campus. However, four key facilities—the CFSB Center, Wellness Center, R.H. White Hall, and Regents Hall—continued to experience outages.
Contractors and university personnel have been working diligently to address the electrical issues in these buildings.
Residents of R.H. White and Regents Halls have been temporarily relocated to alternative housing arrangements until power is fully restored.
Student Concerns and Petition
The repeated power outages have sparked concern among the student body. A petition titled “Demand Accountability for Murray State University’s Negligent Infrastructure” was initiated, criticizing the university’s handling of infrastructure maintenance and emergency responses.
The petition highlights multiple instances of power failures and calls for immediate action to prevent future occurrences.
As of February 17, the petition has garnered over 130 signatures, reflecting a growing demand for improved campus infrastructure and communication.
Weather Challenges
The situation is compounded by adverse weather conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the area, predicting heavy snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures.
These conditions pose additional challenges to repair efforts and have raised concerns about the well-being of students and staff, especially those in buildings still without power.
Operational Adjustments
Despite the disruptions, the university has made efforts to maintain essential services. Dining operations at Winslow Dining Hall and select facilities in the Curris Center have continued, providing meals and a warm environment for students.
The Waterfield Library has also remained open, offering a space for study and access to resources. However, the closure of the Bauernfeind Wellness Center and the postponement of events, such as the men’s basketball game against Northern Iowa, underscore the broader impact of the outage on campus life.
The recent lightning-induced power outage at Murray State University has disrupted campus operations and highlighted concerns about infrastructure resilience.
As repair efforts continue, the university community is advocating for improved emergency preparedness and infrastructure maintenance to prevent future incidents.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff remains a top priority as the university navigates these challenges.