SIDNEY, Neb. — May 18, 2025 — The National Weather Service in Cheyenne has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for several counties in the southern Nebraska Panhandle, including western Cheyenne, eastern Kimball, southwestern Morrill, and southeastern Banner counties. The warning is in effect until 5:15 p.m. MDT.

At 4:26 p.m., a severe storm was located 9 miles northwest of Peetz, Colorado — about 16 miles west of Sidney — moving north at 35 miles per hour. Radar indicated the storm is capable of producing wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour and hail the size of ping pong balls.

The storm poses a significant threat to both people and property. Hail may cause injury to people and animals outdoors, while wind damage is possible to roofs, siding, trees, mobile homes, and outbuildings.

Communities in the path of the storm include Sidney, Potter, Dalton, Dix, Gurley, Brownson, and Lorenzo, along with the Sidney Municipal Airport and Cheyenne County Fairgrounds.

The National Weather Service warned that tornadoes could quickly develop from this storm. A Tornado Watch remains in effect for the entire Nebraska Panhandle through 8:00 p.m. MDT.

Residents in the warned area are strongly urged to move to a sturdy building, preferably to an interior room on the lowest floor, and remain there until the storm passes.