A flood on 19th Avenue made its way to Hensill Hall and shut down a switchgear room that powers the campus with electricity, causing classes to be canceled.

“Lights won’t be back on in all classrooms until they clean up Hensill Hall and the system at the substation is repaired,” said Tony Hayward, plant engineer at the student center. Hayward does know how long that will take.

The lights went out at about 9 a.m. according to Kerry Thomas, who works at the Student Center information desk.

The library and science remained open for students but was out of power. Hensill, Burk and Thorton halls reported some flooding and were closed.

“We got a phone call that said certain floors were flooded in Thorton Hall and Burk Hall,” Thomas said.

Only the bottom floor of the Student Center remained open and students stood confused at the plastic announcement board that listed the buildings that were closed.

Although students were informed classes were canceled, some chose to stay on campus to avoid dealing with the weather.

“I think this is really bad for the students who commute,” said Alan Nudo, 19, a criminal justice student. “I’m wet and miserable, and now we are going to have to drive back home in the rain.”

The Student Center remained open for students to take haven from the rain.

Students sat around knitting, studying or sleeping and waited for the pouring to subside. Some were not thrilled the university was not better prepared for the power outage.

“It does not make sense to me,” said Lashawe McCoy, a political science major. “I pay too much in tuition for this school to be in the dark.”

In the cafeteria, only one gas stove was working. Hungry students stood in line to get the last tortilla.

“I might as well eat since I’m not going anywhere right now,” said junior Tony Serrano, 20, an English major.