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

Regional

20-year-old college student injured in rollover crash on Highway 15

Ronald McDonald House launches first Nebraska Family Kitchen

Concerns over a Nebraska hospital show how a $50B rural health fund could come up short

Northeast Community College hosts tri-state talent for annual jazz competition

State

Fairbury airport manager Sandi Decker inducted into Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame

‘Magic every time’ sandhill crane knowledge and appreciation

UNK honors Hamiltons with atrium naming after $5M rural health gift

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

Regional

20-year-old college student injured in rollover crash on Highway 15

Ronald McDonald House launches first Nebraska Family Kitchen

Concerns over a Nebraska hospital show how a $50B rural health fund could come up short

Northeast Community College hosts tri-state talent for annual jazz competition

State

Fairbury airport manager Sandi Decker inducted into Nebraska Aviation Hall of Fame

‘Magic every time’ sandhill crane knowledge and appreciation

UNK honors Hamiltons with atrium naming after $5M rural health gift

Ronald McDonald House launches first Nebraska Family Kitchen

Hoiberg Named AP National Coach of the Year

Western Nebraska wildfires fully contained as command set to return to local departments

Sports

April 4 (2:45 PM CT) - Indy Ignite vs Omaha Supernovas (NCN TV)

Colorado sports notes: Tyler Freeman drives in winning run in 10th as Rockies beat Blue Jays 2-1

WNCC’s Lashley ready to lead her Anguilla national team in CONCACAF qualifier

Eagles Sweep 5000 Meters at Central Nebraska Challenge

Johnston hits a 2-run homer as the Rockies rout the Blue Jays 14-5 for their 1st win of the season

Cougar notes: WNCC softball plays tough against No. 25 McCook despite falling

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: NGPC offering pastures, hay tracts to those affected by wildfires

Outdoor notes: Work to begin soon on Smith Lake WMA Aquatic Habitat Project

Outdoor notes: Game and Parks urges caution when recreating outdoors due to wildfires

Outdoor notes: Temporary closure of Clear Creek WMA for safety

‘Worst-case scenario’: Fertilizer, fuel cost spikes hitting Nebraska farmers hard

Outdoor notes: Haag shares 100 years of Nebraskaland