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

Cambridge Court assisted living closure forces nearly 40 Kearney seniors to relocate

Axtell man takes plea deal, convicted in triple-fatal crash

Hastings Skatepark Demolition Underway

Axtell man pleads no contest in Phelps County crash that killed three

UNMC uses immersive technology to expand stroke education statewide

Hastings Area Historically Warm and Wet This Summer

State

Norfolk to require Actus to install odor controls or face severe permit restrictions

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

Regional

Cambridge Court assisted living closure forces nearly 40 Kearney seniors to relocate

Axtell man takes plea deal, convicted in triple-fatal crash

Hastings Skatepark Demolition Underway

Axtell man pleads no contest in Phelps County crash that killed three

UNMC uses immersive technology to expand stroke education statewide

Hastings Area Historically Warm and Wet This Summer

State

Norfolk to require Actus to install odor controls or face severe permit restrictions

$18 million redevelopment in downtown Norfolk takes step forward

Omaha man cited after pickup crashes into creek near Pilger

Cambridge Court assisted living closure forces nearly 40 Kearney seniors to relocate

Axtell man takes plea deal, convicted in triple-fatal crash

State patrol arrests police officer after animal abuse investigation

Sports

Nebraska Basketball begins practice, with Sweet 16 season in rear view

Huskers turn to Michigan State after successful non-conference play

Huskers utilize strong run game, improves pass rush in win over UND

Nebraska rolls by North Dakota 34-7, heads into conference play 3-0

Tri County withstands injuries, strong Southern effort to earn third win of 2026 season

Wayne State dominates first-ever game against Jamestown

Ag & Outdoor

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

Ag notes: Cattle placements rise 6% during April