Over 150 customers and employees were evacuated Saturday morning from Wal-Mart, 1665 N. Atherton St., after violent winds collapsed a recently constructed wall, severing a gas line.

No one was injured in the accident that occurred just before noon, said Brenda Brownson, assistant store manager. The brand new perimeter wall -- built to coincide with the store's SuperCenter expansion plans -- was believed to be toppled by strong gusts of wind, Brownson said.

She said a metal beam running along the top of the wall fell onto a lower beam, creating a domino effect that led to the collapse of a large portion of the structure. The wall's crumpling cut a gas line, leading to store officials' decision to vacate the premises.

"We evacuated the building immediately for the safety of our employees and associates," she said. "We are very grateful no one was injured; everything was handled very professionally."

Columbia Gas Co. spokesman Rob Boulware said company officials responded to the situation within 30 minutes. He added the cut gas line was a temporary construction heat line for workers and any leakage would not be fatal.

Brownson said early estimates of property damage and missing employee wages may reach upwards of $300,000.

Throughout Saturday, State College experienced sustained winds at 25 mph, with gusts reaching 30 to 35 mph, said Mark Bacon, AccuWeather meteorologist. Bacon added AccuWeather readings reported wind speeds to be as high as 68 mph.

The strong winds were the result of a cold front that moved through the Centre County area, Bacon said.

"With the front, the wind speeds can double," he said. "Usually, the stronger the cold front, the stronger the winds."

Supervisors from the chain's Bentonville, Ark., headquarters were in town to oversee the store's progress when the accident transpired, Brownson said. They, along with Patton Township code directors and local store management, met to determine the feasibility of reopening the store later Saturday, she said. "We wanted to make sure 100 percent that no one was going to be hurt," she said, noting the store opened its doors at 10 p.m. that night. She added business has been "very brisk" since the reopening.

The mishap has not dampened plans for the chain's unveiling of the new SuperCenter May 8, Brownson said.

"We have no concerns whatsoever," she said. "We're moving forward and slated for grand opening."