NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Feb 19, 2026
Reports from Morgan Chesky, Ryan Chandler, Liz Croix, Tom Costello, Laura Jarrett, Ryan Nobles, Molly Hunter, Stephanie Goss, Al Roker and others. Short bios: on-scene correspondents, specialists in weather, courts, sports and features. They cover a deadly Lake Tahoe avalanche and rescue challenges. Fast-moving Oklahoma wildfires and tornadic fire behavior. Advances in a DNA investigation and high-profile courtroom testimony. Sports comebacks and dramatic rescue clips.
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Firenadoes And Rapid Fire Spread
- Fast-moving wildfires in Oklahoma created extreme conditions including firenadoes and destroyed structures.
- High winds and dry conditions turned fires into rapidly spreading emergencies that forced mass evacuations.
One Storm, Many Threats Nationwide
- Weather patterns are producing simultaneous threats: snow in the Sierra, fire weather in the Plains, and a potential nor'easter off the East Coast.
- This overlap highlights how different regions face distinct extreme risks within the same storm system.
DNA And Door‑To‑Door Leads In Guthrie Case
- Investigators found unknown mixed DNA at Nancy Guthrie's home and are using investigative genetic genealogy to identify a suspect.
- Canvassing local gun shops with photo lists shows investigators are combining DNA leads with traditional door‑to‑door identification efforts.