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

Independent Dan Osborn visits Kimball

16 Scottsbluff High School Students selected for All-State Chorus

New Highway and Street Superintendents Licensed

Commodity Supplemental Food Program serves nutritious food to seniors

State

Independent Dan Osborn visits Kimball

Creighton students dance to raise money for Children’s Nebraska

Crews protect nearby homes as raging Fairbury house fire destroys property

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

Regional

Independent Dan Osborn visits Kimball

16 Scottsbluff High School Students selected for All-State Chorus

New Highway and Street Superintendents Licensed

Commodity Supplemental Food Program serves nutritious food to seniors

State

Independent Dan Osborn visits Kimball

Creighton students dance to raise money for Children’s Nebraska

Crews protect nearby homes as raging Fairbury house fire destroys property

22-year-old dies in crash north of Hartington

Flood receives NAHB Defender of Housing Award in Norfolk

Man killed in Polk County shooting, suspect fatally shot in Butler County

Sports

Tears of Joy for Hastings’ First Golf Champion Since 2006

Sidney Tops Cozad 35-19 to Complete Third Straight Undefeated Regular Season

Nebraska high school football playoff brackets released

Beatrice runner Ribble places 3rd at state cross country

Plainview/Osmond plays spoiler in week 9

Liam Gonzalez becomes Norfolk High's first boys cross country state champion

Ag & Outdoor

Pillen issues executive orders pausing diesel tax, increasing grain and livestock hauling weight limits

Nebraska's congressional delegation critical of Trump plan to lower beef prices

Outdoor notes: Birding Bowl inspires generous next step

Outdoor notes: Tips for enjoying water safely this summer

Outdoor notes: Rare lake sturgeon made 681-mile swim

Outdoor notes: Low water affecting Nebraska boaters this summer