A powerful tornado struck Enid, Oklahoma, on Thursday as part of a severe weather system that produced a dozen reported twisters across the central US. The tornado, which remained on the ground for 30 minutes, carved a trail of destruction through the city of about 50,000 people near the state's northern border. Online videos captured the rotating column of air touching down and roaring toward settlements.
The storm caused extensive damage, reducing at least 40 homes to rubble and ripping roofs off others. Power poles and infrastructure were knocked down throughout the area. While no fatalities have been reported, at least 10 people were injured. Emergency crews worked to rescue residents who were trapped in their homes.
Vance Air Force Base, located in Garfield County, was also impacted by the tornado. Base officials conducted accountability procedures to ensure all personnel were safe. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt called for prayers for the severely impacted Enid community.
By Friday morning, emergency services were assessing the most extensive damage as communities began cleaning up the debris. Authorities continued going door-to-door in some neighborhoods to check on residents.