Tornado Hits Oklahoma, Leaving Widespread Damage

A powerful tornado struck the city of Enid in Oklahoma on Thursday evening, leaving widespread destruction to homes, businesses and infrastructure as severe storms swept across multiple US states.

Local authorities said emergency response teams were concentrating their efforts in the hardest-hit area of Greeridge, where secondary search-and-rescue operations were underway to ensure no residents remain trapped in damaged buildings.

Enid, a city of around 50,000 residents, suffered significant structural damage, with initial reports indicating that some people may still be trapped inside their homes. Emergency services have confirmed substantial destruction across residential zones and public infrastructure.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt urged residents to keep those affected in their thoughts, writing on social media that prayers were needed for the Enid community after what he described as a devastating tornado event.

Police spokesperson Cass Rains said early reports suggested multiple people could be trapped, while rescue teams continued to assess the full scale of the damage.

The storm system also disrupted surrounding areas, including Garfield County, where Vance Air Force Base is located approximately 80 miles (129 km) north of Oklahoma City.

The US National Weather Service reported multiple tornado sightings in Iowa and Kansas, alongside destructive hailstorms with hailstones comparable in size to tennis balls.

In Kay County, northeast of Enid, strong winds uprooted trees, downed power lines, and destroyed barns and homes. US Senator James Lankford warned that dangerous conditions were ongoing and urged residents to remain highly cautious as the storm system continued moving across the state.