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

Flooding near Bayard caught on video after heavy storms

Heart City Cattle Battle expected to grow in year five

Dozens of young cattle exhibitors from several states are in Valentine this weekend, preparing their animals for the annual Heart City Cattle Battle.

Farm animal welfare rules might be rolled back by Congress

The last country school in Scottsbluff shuts its doors

State

Flooding near Bayard caught on video after heavy storms

Severe thunderstorm warning issued near Julesburg

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Chappell, Oshkosh area

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

Regional

Flooding near Bayard caught on video after heavy storms

Heart City Cattle Battle expected to grow in year five

Farm animal welfare rules might be rolled back by Congress

The last country school in Scottsbluff shuts its doors

State

Flooding near Bayard caught on video after heavy storms

Severe thunderstorm warning issued near Julesburg

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Chappell, Oshkosh area

Local drives help statewide organization combat blood emergency

Nebraska officials certify results for May 12 primary election that ran ‘very smoothly’

Severe thunderstorm warnings issued for Sidney, Peetz areas

Sports

UNK extends women's basketball coach Drew Johnson through 2029

Gary Sánchez hits first homer since April 14, Brewers complete sweep of Rockies with 12-4 win

Brewers score 8 late runs, stun Rockies 9-7 in wild 10-inning victory

Nebraska coaches share ideas and build connections during Shrine Bowl week

Kearney athletes embrace hometown opportunity during Shrine Bowl week

Shrine Bowl South players reflect on hometown pride ahead of final high school game

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Rare lake sturgeon made 681-mile swim

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