ENID, Okla. — On Thursday, a destructive tornado tore through Enid, Oklahoma, a city of roughly 50,000 residents located near Vance Air Force Base. The tornado caused roofs to be ripped off buildings and entire homes to be leveled, prompting a rapid emergency response from local authorities.
The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado's path through community neighborhoods, with video footage capturing the powerful funnel making contact with the ground, causing significant residential destruction.
No fatalities were reported initially, but minor injuries were recorded, according to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office. Emergency responders have been going door-to-door to ensure the safety of residents, with some individuals rescued from being trapped in their homes by fallen debris.
Enid Mayor David Mason highlighted Gray Ridge, a neighborhood hit hard by the storm, stating, “We have quite a few homes knocked down in there.” The extent of the damage left piles of rubble where homes once stood, and the destruction was evident throughout the affected areas.
A witness, Amy Kuntz, shared her harrowing experience of guiding her daughter to safety over the phone as the storm hit. “She said, ‘I don’t know what to do,’ and I told her to get in the bathtub. Moments later she exclaimed, ‘Mom, the roof’s gone,’” Kuntz recounted to local news.
The nearby Vance Air Force Base reported damages to fences and equipment. Officials announced a temporary closure of the facility to address ongoing power and water restoration efforts following the storm.
In response to the disaster, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt took to social media, encouraging prayers and support for the Enid community impacted by the tornado.
The storm system caused trouble beyond Oklahoma, affecting areas such as Kearney, Missouri, where downed trees and debris obstructed roadways, but no serious injuries were reported there.
As cleanup efforts begin, both local and state officials are mobilizing to support recovery and provide assistance to Enid’s residents.
