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

Family surprised in downtown Norfolk with plaque honoring late mother, Jan Merrill

Emergency crews respond to house fire in Oakdale

Emergency crews Respond to house fire in Oakdale

Willow Creek State Recreation Area campground to close for electrical upgrades

Norfolk Fire Division Hosts Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to Honor 25th Anniversary

State

Community invited to celebrate Mike Namuth’s retirement after 28 years at The Center

New Valentine mural celebrates community, history and culture

T-Mobile representatives present $5K check to Kimball High School

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

Regional

Family surprised in downtown Norfolk with plaque honoring late mother, Jan Merrill

Emergency crews respond to house fire in Oakdale

Willow Creek State Recreation Area campground to close for electrical upgrades

Norfolk Fire Division Hosts Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to Honor 25th Anniversary

State

Community invited to celebrate Mike Namuth’s retirement after 28 years at The Center

New Valentine mural celebrates community, history and culture

T-Mobile representatives present $5K check to Kimball High School

Jefferson County, NSP investigation logs drug arrest

Emergency crews respond to house fire in Oakdale

Valentine ceremony honors those lost on 9/11

Sports

15th-ranked Minnesota-Duluth edges Wayne State

Sidney shuts out Gering, improves to 3-0

Hartington-Newcastle withstands 28-point deficit, weather delay for improbable win

Boone Buzzsaw Keeps Rolling

Huskers excited for first Memorial Stadium night game of the season

Doane Football Coach Conversations: Dakota Wesleyan recap, Morningside preview

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