Oklahoma tornado outbreak: Emergency declared in Enid amid severe storms

A violent tornado struck Enid, Oklahoma, triggering a severe storm that swept through several states. The city of 50,000, located in the north-central part of the state, is currently conducting emergency operations in the Grayridge area. 

Regarding the impact, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office released a statement: “At this time there are no reports of fatalities, and only minor injuries are being reported.”

To clarify the current situation, Governor Kevin Stitt said he has spoken to city leaders. The National Weather Service for the region confirmed that a tornado was moving across southeastern Enid at 8:40 p.m. 

Meanwhile, an emergency has been declared for parts of the city and its surroundings. The city of Enid released a statement: “Residents are strongly urged to stay away from the Grayridge area at this time as keeping roadways clear is crucial so crews, and heavy equipment can safely access affected locations.”

Primarily, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office said that the Red Cross set up the west side of the Chisholm Trail Expo Center on Thursday night. 

To cope with the aftermath, Vance Air Force Base is assessing the damage caused by the tornado, which had a significant impact on the base. According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma, Iowa and Kansas on Thursday.

Consequently, damaging hail the size of tennis balls has also been reported. 

In Kay County, Oklahoma, northeast of Enid, Sheriff Steve Kelley confirmed that trees and power lines were destroyed, adding that one home and barns sustained extensive structural damage. 

There were 17 tornadoes reported Thursday night from Oklahoma to Iowa; active tornado warnings remain in effect as a series of dangerous storms stretches from Oklahoma to Missouri and Iowa.