Updated on: April 24, 2026
A powerful tornado struck parts of Enid, Oklahoma, on Thursday, tearing roofs from buildings, destroying homes, downing power poles and prompting the temporary closure of Vance Air Force Base. The National Weather Service confirmed the twister crossed sections of Enid, a city of roughly 50,000 in Garfield County near the state’s northern border.
Online video from the scene showed a rapidly rotating column of air touching down and significant damage to residential areas. Authorities reported no immediate fatalities and only minor injuries in the hours after the storm. The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said crews carried out door-to-door checks in some neighborhoods to assess damage and ensure residents’ safety.
Overnight, the sheriff’s office noted on social media that its phone lines were down due to tornado damage and urged people to call 911 for emergencies. Enid Police Department spokesperson Cass Rains said early reports indicated some residents were trapped in homes amid widespread destruction. The Oklahoma Office of Emergency Management confirmed that some houses were destroyed.
Vance Air Force Base announced via social media that it would be closed “until further notice” while personnel work to restore power and water. The base said only mission-essential staff should report to support critical operations and utility repairs; all other personnel were instructed to remain home and monitor official channels. Base officials earlier said they were conducting accountability checks to ensure personnel were safe.
Local organizations established shelters for those displaced by the storm. Oakwood Christian Church in Enid opened its doors as a shelter Thursday night, according to local reports. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt posted on social media asking residents to pray for the Enid community, which he said had been severely impacted by the tornado.