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

Donors Help Mary Lanning Healthcare Purchase New Defibrillators

Hastings Softball Looking to Build Off Strong Start

North Platte student puts landscaping skills to work at memorial garden

Barista’s Daily Grind opens new location on UNK campus

Lincoln County commissioner accused of threatening jail staff after DUI arrest

Hastings City Council Eyeing Return to City Hall

State

Alliance police chief withdraws request for Flock cameras, license plate readers

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

Regional

Donors Help Mary Lanning Healthcare Purchase New Defibrillators

Hastings Softball Looking to Build Off Strong Start

North Platte student puts landscaping skills to work at memorial garden

Barista’s Daily Grind opens new location on UNK campus

Lincoln County commissioner accused of threatening jail staff after DUI arrest

Hastings City Council Eyeing Return to City Hall

State

Alliance police chief withdraws request for Flock cameras, license plate readers

UNK Pride of the Plains announces 2026 members, performance schedule

A very American invention, pushed to an extreme

Flock cameras discussed at Cherry County commissioners meeting

Man arrested after stabbing leaves victim seriously injured in Alliance

Alliance man in custody following stabbing incident

Sports

Hastings Softball Looking to Build Off Strong Start

Community volleyball season starts August 27

Norfolk routs Lincoln Northwest in first ever meeting

With loads of experience, Huskers confident in revamped offensive line

St. Cecilia Softball Goes From Hunters to Hunted After First Championship

One day at a time, Pierce football prepares for season opener under Tyler Legate

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