Red Flag Warning Issued for Northeastern Nebraska Counties Through Tuesday Evening
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Antelope, Pierce, Boone, Madison, and Platte counties due to critical fire weather conditions expected Tuesday.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley has issued a Red Flag Warning for wind and low relative humidity. This alert is in effect for portions of northeastern Nebraska and replaces the previously issued Fire Weather Watch.
Affected Areas
The following Nebraska counties are included in the warning area:
- Antelope
- Pierce
- Boone
- Madison
- Platte
What You Should Do
Outdoor burning is not recommended. Residents should be aware that a Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. The combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop under these conditions will likely spread rapidly.
Expected Conditions
- Winds: Southwest winds ranging from 15 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 30 mph.
- Relative Humidity: Levels are expected to drop as low as 18 percent.
- Impacts: Critical conditions for rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior.
Timeline
The Red Flag Warning is effective from 12:00 PM CST to 8:00 PM CST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice