Hail, funnel cloud and 71 mph winds reported during severe storms across region

Golf ball-size hail, a funnel cloud south of Bushnell and a 71 mph wind gust in Sidney highlighted Saturday's severe weather across the Nebraska Panhandle.

May 31, 2026Updated: May 31, 2026

By Hunter Arterburn

Hail, funnel cloud and 71 mph winds reported during severe storms across region

Regional

Critics oppose Wyoming hydroelectric project, pointing to climate-driven drought crisis

Critics say a proposed $4 billion pumped-water electricity storage facility at Wyoming's Seminoe Reservoir could harm the Miracle Mile trout fishery and a bighorn sheep herd.

Fire damages apartment building under construction in Cheyenne

On its third life, an eagle soars again — this time for veterans

Cheyenne man arrested following fire at historic pump house

State

Hail, funnel cloud and 71 mph winds reported during severe storms across region

Multi-vehicle crash closes Interstate 80 near Ogallala

Tour Nebraska Car Show rolls through Verdigre

Hail, funnel cloud and 71 mph winds reported during severe storms across region

Regional

Critics oppose Wyoming hydroelectric project, pointing to climate-driven drought crisis

Fire damages apartment building under construction in Cheyenne

On its third life, an eagle soars again — this time for veterans

Cheyenne man arrested following fire at historic pump house

State

Hail, funnel cloud and 71 mph winds reported during severe storms across region

Multi-vehicle crash closes Interstate 80 near Ogallala

Tour Nebraska Car Show rolls through Verdigre

Jimmy Johns notes Nebraska City's high traffic counts

Art, music and poetry create connection in downtown Valentine

Critics oppose Wyoming hydroelectric project, pointing to climate-driven drought crisis

Sports

Bynes Named RMAC Outdoor Field Athlete of the Year

Panhandle Storm teams sweep Holyoke

Sidney Vipers roll past Grant; Sidney Stealers rally for win

State golf roundup: Sidney finishes 10th at Class B state golf tournament

Lincoln East repeats as Class A boys golf champion behind strong team effort

2026 Nebraska, Kansas Boys Golf State Championships underway this week

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Low water affecting Nebraska boaters this summer

Ag notes: Cattle placements rise 6% during April

NGPC still offers grazing, haying opportunities

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