A powerful tornado struck Enid, Oklahoma on Thursday evening, leaving widespread destruction across parts of the city. While no deaths have been reported, several residents were trapped in damaged homes, prompting urgent rescue efforts as emergency crews worked through the night.
Scale of Destruction in Gray Ridge
The worst damage was reported in the Gray Ridge area on the south side of the city. Entire homes were reduced to piles of broken wood, insulation, and debris after the tornado tore through the neighbourhood.
Enid Mayor David Mason described the scene as devastating, noting that roofs were ripped off and walls collapsed. Emergency crews had to pull people from the wreckage as structures gave way under the storm’s force.
Power lines and poles were also heavily damaged, leaving several blocks without electricity. Officials from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that, despite the destruction, only minor injuries were reported in the early hours.
Search teams moved carefully from house to house, calling out to check if anyone was still trapped.
Residents Share Terrifying Moments
Residents described frightening moments as the tornado hit. One mother, Amy Kuntz, was out of town when the storm struck. She guided her daughter to safety over the phone, telling her to take shelter in the bathtub.
Just moments later, the roof of their home was torn away. Thankfully, the girl was not injured, though the house suffered major damage.
Other families shared similar experiences, with some becoming trapped under debris until firefighters cleared paths to rescue them. These close calls showed how quickly the situation became dangerous.
Impact Near Vance Air Force Base
The storm also affected nearby Vance Air Force Base, located about 80 miles north of Oklahoma City.
The base reported damage to fences and some equipment. Operations were paused on Friday as crews worked to repair power lines and water systems. While there was no major structural damage, the disruption affected daily operations, including training flights.
Base officials coordinated with local emergency responders to restore essential services as quickly as possible.
Severe Weather Threat Continues
The threat of severe weather is not over. Kevin Stitt urged residents to stay alert and keep the affected community in their prayers.
The National Weather Service warned that more storms could develop into Friday night and continue into the weekend. Areas in south-central and southeastern Oklahoma may see strong thunderstorms, including hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes.
Officials are urging residents to monitor weather alerts closely and take precautions.
Storm Impact Beyond Oklahoma
The same weather system also caused damage outside Oklahoma. In Kearney, Missouri, storms knocked down trees and scattered debris across roads. Cleanup crews worked quickly, and no injuries were reported there.
The tornado in Enid has left behind a path of destruction, but the absence of fatalities offers some relief amid the damage. Emergency teams continue their work, helping residents recover and ensuring no one is left behind.
As families begin to rebuild, the focus remains on safety and recovery. With more storms possible in the coming days, the situation remains serious, reminding everyone in the region of the power and unpredictability of severe weather.
