Tornado Strikes Enid, Oklahoma, Damages Homes and Closes Air Force Base

A powerful tornado tore through Enid, Oklahoma, on Thursday evening, causing significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and forcing the closure of Vance Air Force Base. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado moved across southeastern parts of Enid, a city of about 50,000 people in Garfield County near the state’s northern border, around 8:40 p.m. local time.

Videos circulating online captured a rapidly rotating funnel cloud touching down, with some showing homes completely destroyed. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office reported no fatalities and only minor injuries hours after the tornado passed. First responders were conducting door-to-door checks in affected neighborhoods, particularly in the Grayridge area, to ensure residents’ safety.

Enid Police Department spokesperson Cass Rains noted early reports of people trapped in homes and extensive damage. The Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management confirmed that some homes were destroyed. The city urged residents to stay away from the Grayridge area to keep roadways clear for emergency crews and utility teams.

Vance Air Force Base, located on the southwestern edge of Enid, announced its closure “until further notice” due to ongoing power and water restoration efforts. The base instructed that only mission-essential personnel report for duty while others remain home and monitor official communications. Officials at the base were conducting accountability procedures to confirm all personnel were safe.

Local organizations responded to the disaster as well. Oakwood Christian Church opened its doors Thursday night to shelter those affected by the tornado. The Red Cross was stationed on the west side of the Chisholm Trail Expo Center to assist those in need.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed concern on social media, urging prayers for the Enid community and those at Vance Air Force Base. “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 tornado was part of a larger outbreak of severe storms sweeping through Oklahoma and neighboring states, with reports of damaging hail up to tennis ball size and tornadoes in Iowa and Kansas as well. In Kay County, northeast of Enid, officials reported downed trees and power lines, along with damage to a home and barns.

Residents and witnesses described the storm’s intensity. Justin Parrish, a local towing company owner, said, “It got calm and I went out and was shocked. Luckily it did not hit us.” Chance Jones, drummer for the rock band Hinder, recorded video of the tornado while outside a hotel in Enid, calling the experience “crazy.”

Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma also urged caution and safety for all residents facing the severe weather, stating on social media that he and his wife were praying for those in harm’s way.