FOLLOW US

A violent storm tore through northern Oklahoma late Thursday, as a tornado strikes Enid Oklahoma, ripping roofs from buildings, flattening homes, and forcing a nearby Air Force installation to shut down operations.

The twister carved a destructive path through Enid, a community of about 50,000 residents in Garfield County near the state’s northern edge, according to the National Weather Service. Videos circulating online captured the storm’s force—a rotating column of wind tearing through neighborhoods and leaving severe destruction behind.

Homes Torn Apart, Residents Rescued from Debris

Officials described the aftermath as devastating. Entire homes were reduced to piles of debris, while others were left exposed after losing their roofs.

Keli Cain of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security said Friday morning that no deaths had been reported, but between 10 and 15 people were injured.

Emergency responders moved quickly into the hardest-hit areas. Police began door-to-door searches, followed by multiple sweeps by the fire department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Enid Mayor David Mason said.

Some residents were trapped inside their homes, pinned by debris, and had to be rescued.

Gray Ridge Neighborhood Suffers Heavy Damage

The storm’s worst impact appeared in Gray Ridge, a neighborhood on the south side of the city, where homes were knocked down or severely damaged. Images from the scene showed streets covered in debris where houses once stood.

Mayor Mason highlighted the community’s response in the aftermath.

“The support from our community has been remarkable,” he said, noting that businesses provided equipment, residents opened their homes, and supplies quickly arrived.

Emergency Systems Disrupted as Damage Mounts

Infrastructure damage added to the crisis. City officials said phone lines were down overnight due to tornado damage and urged residents to call 911 in emergencies.

Enid Police spokesperson Cass Rains reported early accounts of extensive damage and people trapped in homes.

The Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management confirmed that several homes were destroyed.

Air Force Base Closes Amid Utility Failures

Operations at Vance Air Force Base were suspended as the storm disrupted power and water systems. Officials said the base would remain closed until further notice while restoration efforts continued.

Only essential personnel were instructed to report to duty, while others were told to stay home and monitor official updates.

Earlier statements indicated that officials were still assessing damage and ensuring all personnel were accounted for.