Region 21 Emergency Management

06/02/2026

Several clusters of severe storms on the eastern plains spitting out a metric crap ton of lightning lol

06/01/2026

Applications for the Nebraska Forest Service Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program are now open!

This cost-share program helps Nebraska volunteer fire departments in communities of less than 10,000 people acquire equipment, prevention materials and training needed to fight wildland fires. Grants provide reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible project costs. That includes two-way radios, protective clothing, breathing apparatus, and/or firefighting equipment.

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your department's wildland fire response capabilities. The deadline to apply is by 10 PM CDT on July 16th.

Learn more and apply: go.unl.edu/vfa

06/01/2026

Mon. June 1, 1:00 PM MDT -
A Severe T'Storm Watch is in effect for portions of southeast Wyo and the Neb panhandle through this evening. The primary concern is very large hail, although the stronger storms will also be capable of a tornado or damaging winds.

06/01/2026

06/01/26 - Severe weather returns today. Have a plan to remain aware of rapidly developing conditions around you!

06/01/2026

⛈️ Severe weather season is upon us. Are you registered to receive FREE severe weather alerts in the NE Panhandle?

🚨 Check out the 🅞🅕🅕🅘🅒🅘🅐🅛 emergency notification system used to communicate with residents during emergencies, including severe weather events. It's an easy way to be better prepared! So sign up TODAY to receive these alerts via 💬text message, 📩email, and/or ☎️voice message.

📍Alerts are geo-targeted to be specific to the address you provide: home, school, work - so when something happens that will affect that address, you'll be notified! 📢

Need to update your account information? Now's a great time to do that too! Especially if you've moved! www.panhandlealert.org

(𝑫𝒊𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝑭𝑹𝑬𝑬?)

Panhandle Alert is the official emergency notification system used to communicate with community residents during emergencies.

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

2026 Morrill County Fair Schedule

05/31/2026

⛈️ Severe weather potential returns Monday, June 1st.

A shortwave puts us right back into severe thunderstorm chances on Monday. SPC has issued a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) where all hazards are possible. SPC has issued a Slight Risk (level 2 out of 5) where all hazards are possible starting Monday afternoon. Mainly in the southern panhandle is the risk of tornadoes, large hail, and severe wind the highest. The overall risk area for large hail and severe winds is the same.

05/31/2026

Update: I-80 has reopened in both directions.

TRAFFIC ALERT: A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 80 near Ogallala is causing traffic delays in the area. I-80 westbound lanes near Mile Marker 119 are expected to open soon, but the eastbound lanes will likely remain closed for several more hours. Check 511.Nebraska.gov for the latest updates.

05/30/2026

⛈️ Numerous storms are developing and several T-storm warnings have already been issued this afternoon.

Storms will continue developing and moving throughout the region this evening.

NOW is the time to be weather aware, have multiple ways to receive warnings, prepare to take shelter, and be ready for rapidly changing conditions!