Tornado hits city in Oklahoma amid severe weather outbreak

A tornado struck the Oklahoma city of Enid on Thursday as severe storms swept through several states, officials said.

The city of Enid, a city of around 50,000, in the northcentral part of the state, said first responders were conducting emergency operations in the Grayridge area.

“At this time there are no reports of fatalities, and only minor injuries are being reported,” the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “First responders are continuing secondary searches of locations impacted by the tornado.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt said he has spoken to city leaders. Vance Air Force Base, which is on the southwestern part of Enid, said it was assessing the extent of damage there.

“Please join me in praying for the Enid community, which has been severely impacted by tonight’s tornado,” Stitt said on X.

“My prayers are with everyone on Vance Air Force Base and the surrounding neighborhood, and I am asking God to bring healing and comfort in the days ahead,” he said.

The National Weather Service for the region said that a confirmed tornado was moving across far southeastern parts of Enid at 8:40 p.m.

A tornado emergency had been declared for parts of the city and the surrounding area, and the region had been under a tornado watch until 11 p.m.

“Residents are strongly urged to stay away from the Grayridge area at this time,” the city of Enid said in a statement. “Keeping roadways clear is critical so emergency crews, utility teams, and heavy equipment can safely access affected locations as quickly as possible.”

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said that the Red Cross was staged on the west side of the Chisholm Trail Expo Center Thursday night for anyone needing assistance.

Video recorded in the area showed a large dark funnel cloud touching the ground.

Justin Parrish, who lives in Enid and owns a towing company there, said that he was surprised by the size of the storm.

“It got calm and I went out and was shocked,” he said. “Luckily it did not hit us.”

Chance Jones, a drummer for rock band Hinder, also recorded video of the tornado, as he was outside of a hotel in Enid.

“We were about to get on our bus! This was crazy,” Jones said.

Enid is around 65 miles northwest of Oklahoma City.

Vance Air Force Base said it was assessing the damage from the tornado, which “impacted” the base.

“We are currently conducting accountability procedures to ensure all personnel are safe and accounted for,” it said.

Tornadoes have been reported in Oklahoma, Iowa and Kansas on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Damaging hail, including about the size of tennis balls, has also been reported.

In Kay County, Oklahoma, northeast of Enid, Sheriff Steve Kelley said that trees and power lines were torn down, and that one home and barns were among the structures damaged.

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., said that he and his wife were urging everyone to be safe.

“Cindy and I are praying for all Oklahomans in harm’s way tonight as severe storms, damaging winds, and tornadoes move across our state,” he said on social media.

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