A powerful tornado swept through Oklahoma on Thursday, ripping roofs off buildings, knocking down power poles, and prompting emergency crews to go door-to-door in hard-hit neighborhoods near Vance Air Force Base, officials reported.
Impact on Enid and Surrounding Areas
The confirmed tornado moved across parts of Enid, a city of approximately 50,000 residents near the state's northern border, according to the National Weather Service. Video footage posted online showed a rapidly rotating column of air touching down, along with images of destroyed homes.
Hours after the tornado passed, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office reported no immediate fatalities and only minor injuries. Authorities were conducting door-to-door checks in some neighborhoods to ensure residents were safe. Vance Air Force Base was also affected, though the full extent of the damage remained unclear. The base stated in a social media post that officials were "currently conducting accountability procedures to ensure all personnel are safe and accounted for."
Official Response and Community Support
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 noted early reports of people trapped in homes and extensive damage across the area. Garfield County, which includes Vance Air Force Base, is situated about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Oklahoma City.
