High winds cause outages, spark fires and prompt evacuations across region

Wind gusts over 70 mph, power outages across the Panhandle and a large wind-driven wildfire in Morgan County prompting evacuations. High Wind and Red Flag Warnings remain in effect.

February 17, 2026Updated: February 17, 2026

By News Channel Nebraska

High winds cause outages, spark fires and prompt evacuations across region

Regional

Cheyenne man arrested following fire at historic pump house

Do Jackson Hole’s busiest trails create a wildlife ‘sacrifice zone’? Study finds coexistence.

Colorado Democrats censure governor for conspiracy theorist sentence commutation

Eggs, milk, lifesaving skills: CPR training pops up outside Valentine grocery store

State

Crash in Keith County construction zone traps two victims near Ogallala

After near-record warm months, Nebraska could see top-10 hottest year

Addressing the housing issue in the Panhandle

High winds cause outages, spark fires and prompt evacuations across region

Regional

Cheyenne man arrested following fire at historic pump house

Do Jackson Hole’s busiest trails create a wildlife ‘sacrifice zone’? Study finds coexistence.

Colorado Democrats censure governor for conspiracy theorist sentence commutation

Eggs, milk, lifesaving skills: CPR training pops up outside Valentine grocery store

State

Crash in Keith County construction zone traps two victims near Ogallala

After near-record warm months, Nebraska could see top-10 hottest year

Addressing the housing issue in the Panhandle

Ohio driver falls asleep, crashes into semi on Interstate 80 in Cheyenne County

Sterling Fire Chief 26 years of service and retired

Troopers Encourage Safe Driving as Summer Travel Revs Up

Sports

Chadron State's Bynes places 5th at Outdoor Nationals

Shaydyn Rasby, Katelyn Walker win state titles as area athletes close strong in Omaha

Murray State CC, of Oklahoma, wins NJCAA Division 2 Golf Title

Barbashev, Eichel score in 2:07 span, Golden Knights stun Avs 3-1 to take 2-0 series lead

Lowery wins state high jump title as area athletes shine at Burke Stadium

Avs defenseman Cale Makar sidelined for Game 2 of Western Conference Final with to upper-body injury

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Campers invited to take state park survey

Feed supplies tighten for Nebraska producers as drought persists

Outdoor notes: Invasive Species Awareness Week is May 24-30

Powell wins 56th Cornhusker Trap Shoot

Outdoor notes: Spring shotgun turkey season opens

Outdoor notes: Bighorn sheep regular lottery applications begin April 20