A tornado ripped across southeastern Oklahoma on Thursday, as numerous homes were flattened.
Meteorologist Damon Lane said on Thursday that a tornado in the city of Enid was “the strongest storm we have seen in a very long time here in Oklahoma.”
Video showed the storm raging with a number of leveled houses left in its wake. Lane said it was “the worst-case scenario.”
At least 10 people suffered minor injuries in the Gray Ridge neighborhood of Enid as of Thursday night, the Garfield County emergency manager said, according to KOCO. No fatalities have been reported.
Tornado Hits Enid
The National Weather Service (NWS) wrote on X: “At 8:21 pm, a confirmed strong tornado will move across southeastern parts of the city of Enid. This tornado is also heading in the direction of Fairmont.”
It added: “At 8:40 pm, a confirmed tornado was moving across far southeastern parts of Enid. Although the rotation is not as strong, this tornado will still do significant damage.”
Storm trackers reported that the tornado was on the ground for approximately 40 minutes, according to KGOU.
The tornado watch for Oklahoma expired by Friday morning.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in place until 4.00am CDT for northeast Oklahoma and parts of neighboring states, with winds gusts of up to 70mph expected and possible hail measuring 1.5 inches in diameter.
Meanwhile, a separate tornado formed near Braman at around 7 p.m. on Thursday, but narrowly missed the town.
Damaged Homes Seen Live on Air as Tornado Strikes
While reporting on the tornado, storm chaser Amanda Bento said: “We have a lot of damage, a lot of damage.”
Lane added: “That house is flattened, that house is completely flattened.” He said the storm was approaching the town of Fairmont and that there was a “tremendous amount of debris” inside the storm.
Mike Honigsberg, former emergency management director of Enid, told KOCO that the south side of Gray Ridge had been leveled, but that the full extent of the damage may not be known until Friday.
Search and Rescue Missions Launch
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office is deploying deputies to search and rescue operations for potentially trapped residents, KOCO reports.
Oklahoma Republican Governor Kevin Stitt said on X Thursday night: “Please join me in praying for the Enid community, which has been severely impacted by tonight’s tornado. I have spoken with Enid’s local leaders and will continue working with them as they assess the damage and identify needs.”
Stitt continued: “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. As storms continue to move across Oklahoma tonight, I urge everyone to stay weather aware, follow local warnings, and take shelter immediately when directed.”
The NWS issued a tornado warning for northeastern Osage County until 10 p.m. CT.
“TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris,” the NWS added.
The city of Enid posted to Facebook on Thursday night, saying that first responders were “actively performing emergency response efforts following tonight’s tornado activity impacting the Grayridge and other areas. Personnel from the Enid Police Department and Enid Fire Department are on scene coordinating emergency response efforts.”
The post continued: “Residents are strongly urged to stay away from the Grayridge area at this time. Keeping roadways clear is critical so emergency crews, utility teams, and heavy equipment can safely access affected locations as quickly as possible.”
Vance Air Force Base Sustained Minor Damage
Vance Air Force Base, located in Enid, sustained minor damage to signage and fencing, according to KOCO, citing the city’s mayor David Mason.
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