A tornado struck Enid, Oklahoma, late Thursday, causing significant damage in the Gray Ridge neighborhood and parts of the southern city. Officials reported no fatalities and only minor injuries while first responders conducted secondary searches. Vance Air Force Base remained closed as crews restored utilities, and the Red Cross was staged to assist residents. Forecasters warned that severe storms and additional tornado threats could affect millions across multiple states through Monday.
Tornado Strikes Enid, Oklahoma — Gray Ridge Damaged; No Fatalities Reported
Tornado hits city in Oklahoma amid severe weather outbreak
A tornado touched down in Enid, Oklahoma, late Thursday, damaging homes in the Gray Ridge neighborhood and parts of the southern city. First responders carried out emergency operations as crews assessed damage and utility outages, while officials reported no fatalities and only minor injuries.
Confirmed Details
When and where: The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado crossed far-southeastern Enid at about 8:40 p.m. A tornado emergency was issued for parts of the city, and the area had been under a tornado watch until 11 p.m.
Casualties and searches: The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said, "At this time there are no reports of fatalities, and only minor injuries are being reported." First responders continued secondary searches in impacted locations.
Impact and Local Response
Gray Ridge and southern Enid: Mayor David Mason said the tornado caused significant damage to the Gray Ridge neighborhood and southern sections of the city. He asked residents to avoid the area so crews can restore access and keep perimeter controls in place until it is declared safe.
A tornado crosses a highway in Enid, Okla., on Thursday. (KWTV/KOTV via AP)(KWTV/KOTV via AP)
Vance Air Force Base: Vance AFB, in southwestern Enid, remained closed until further notice while crews worked to restore power and water. The base said only mission-essential personnel needed to report; all others should monitor official base channels for updates.
Assistance: The American Red Cross was staged on the west side of the Chisholm Trail Expo Center to help anyone in need.
Eyewitness Accounts and Local Damage
Video from the area showed a large, dark funnel cloud touching the ground. Local towing business owner Justin Parrish said he was surprised by the storm’s size: "It got calm and I went out and was shocked. Luckily it did not hit us." Chance Jones, drummer for the band Hinder, also recorded video while outside a hotel in Enid: "We were about to get on our bus! This was crazy."
In nearby Kay County, Sheriff Steve Kelley reported fallen trees, downed power lines and damage to a home and several barns.
A tornado in Enid, Okla. (Justin Parrish / 580 Wrecker)(Justin Parrish / 580 Wrecker)
Wider Severe Weather Threat
The National Weather Service reported tornadoes in Oklahoma, Iowa and Kansas on Thursday, with 17 tornado reports across those states in the previous 24 hours. Forecasters warned the severe weather threat would continue through the weekend and into Monday, with millions at risk across several states.
Forecasted population at risk: About 13 million on Friday (eastern Texas to the Mississippi/Alabama border), 7 million on Saturday (northcentral Kansas to central Arkansas), 12 million on Sunday (Nebraska to northern Texas) and an estimated 32 million by Monday (southern Wisconsin to northern Mississippi).
Officials' Remarks
Gov. Kevin Stitt said he had spoken with Enid leaders and asked the public to pray for the community. Senator James Lankford and other officials urged residents to stay safe as crews continue response and recovery work.
Officials continue to assess damage and will share updates as more information becomes available. Residents should follow local emergency channels for safety instructions and shelter information.
Help us improve.
