A powerful tornado tore through Oklahoma on Thursday, ripping roofs from buildings, toppling power poles, and prompting an emergency response in a rural community near Vance Air Force Base, officials reported. The confirmed twister moved across parts of Enid, a city of approximately 50,000 residents near the state's northern border, according to the National Weather Service.
Storm Leaves Trail of Destruction
Online video footage captured a rapidly rotating column of air touching down, leaving behind totalled homes and debris scattered across the landscape. The Garfield County Sheriff's Office confirmed that hours after the tornado passed, there were no immediate reports of fatalities and only minor injuries. Authorities were conducting door-to-door checks in some neighbourhoods to ensure residents were safe.
Impact on Vance Air Force Base
Vance Air Force Base was also affected by the tornado, though the extent of the damage remained unclear. In a social media post, base officials stated they "are currently conducting accountability procedures to ensure all personnel are safe and accounted for." The base, located in Garfield County, is about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt posted on social media, urging prayers for the Enid community, which he described as "severely impacted by tonight's tornado." Enid Police Department spokesperson Cass Rains reported early indications of people trapped in homes and extensive structural damage. Emergency crews continued to assess the situation as night fell.
