High winds tear roofing from downtown Sidney motel, city issues safety warning

SIDNEY, Neb. — Powerful winds sweeping across the Nebraska Panhandle Thursday afternoon tore sections of roofing from a downtown Sidney motel, prompting city officials and police to warn the public to avoid the area.

City officials said portions of the roof at America’s Best Value Inn, located at 2115 Illinois Street, began peeling away during the ongoing high-wind event.

The Sidney Police Department issued a public safety advisory urging residents to stay away from the area due to the risk of flying debris.

“Due to high wind speeds, the roof of the hotel is coming off,” the department said in a statement. “This has created a high-risk zone for flying debris and falling materials.”

Police asked drivers and pedestrians to avoid Illinois Street near the hotel while crews work to secure the area.

“Pedestrians: Do not approach the building or the surrounding parking lots,” the department said.

City officials confirmed the property owner has been contacted and that crews are working to address the situation, but the area remains dangerous as strong winds continue.

The damage occurred as a powerful windstorm moves across western Nebraska, southeast Wyoming and northeast Colorado.

Wind gusts reported around 4:30 p.m. included 60 mph in Sidney, 67.9 mph in Scottsbluff and 61 mph in Kimball.

Authorities are urging residents to stay clear of damaged structures and remain alert for blowing debris as the wind event continues into the evening.