Tornado hits city in Oklahoma amid severe weather outbreak

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

Subscribe to read this story ad-free

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

The city of Enid, a town of about 50,000 in the north-central part of the state, said first responders were conducting emergency operations in the Grayridge area.

“At this time, no deaths have been reported, and only minor injuries have been reported,” the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “First responders are continuing secondary searches in tornado-affected locations.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt said he has spoken to city leaders. Vance Air Force Base, located in the southwest part of Enid, said it was assessing the extent of the damage.

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

“My prayers are with everyone at Vance Air Force Base and the surrounding area, and I ask God to bring healing and comfort in the days to come,” he said.

The area’s National Weather Service said a confirmed tornado was moving through far southeast Enid at 8:40 p.m.

A tornado emergency was declared for parts of the city and surrounding areas, and the area was 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. “It is essential to keep roads clear so that emergency crews, utility crews and heavy equipment can safely access impacted locations as quickly as possible. »

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said the Red Cross was on hand Thursday evening on the west side of the Chisholm Trail Expo Center for anyone needing help.

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 he was surprised by the magnitude of the storm.

“It got quiet and I came out and I was shocked,” he said. “Luckily it didn’t affect us.”

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

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

Enid is about 65 miles northwest of Oklahoma City.

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

“We are currently conducting accountability procedures to ensure all staff are safe and accountable,” he said.

Tornadoes were reported Thursday in Oklahoma, Iowa and Kansas, according to the National Weather Service. Devastating hail, the size of a tennis ball, was also reported.

In Kay County, Oklahoma, northeast of Enid, Sheriff Steve Kelley said trees and power lines were downed and a house and barns were among the damaged structures.

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

“Cindy and I are praying for all Oklahomans who are in danger tonight as severe storms, damaging winds and tornadoes pass through our state,” he said on social media.