Enid, Oklahoma, surveys damage after massive tornado tears through city
Residents of Enid, Oklahoma, are surveying the damage on Friday after a massive tornado ripped through the city on Thursday night.
While homes suffered "significant damage," no fatalities were reported and only minor injuries were reported, Enid Mayor David Mason said on Friday.
About 40 homes in the region are reporting damage, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.
Officers quickly responded to the impacted neighborhoods and additional sweeps ensured "every home was cleared," the mayor said in a statement.
"Cleanup operations began as soon as it was safe to do and will expand today," Mason said.
Mason praised the community support, noting that "local businesses have offered equipment and labor, residents have opened their doors, and supplies have poured in already."
"This is who Enid is in challenging moments -- we continue to show up for one another," he said. "Please continue to pray for those affected, for the families navigating loss, and for each and every first responder who has worked tirelessly through the night."
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on social media on Thursday asked for prayers for the community of Enid, which is located about 90 miles north of Oklahoma City.
At least five tornadoes were confirmed across the region on Thursday, including two in Oklahoma.
The Enid tornado was the most notable, ripping through the city and the nearby Vance Air Force Base around 8:22 p.m. A rare "tornado emergency" was issued by the National Weather Service -- the highest alert level that's reserved for strong tornadoes that pose a significant risk to life and property. The NWS confirmed EF4 damage from the Enid tornado, indicating winds of more than 166 mph.
Vance Air Force Base said Friday that it's closed until further notice "due to ongoing power and water restoration efforts."
More severe weather is in the forecast for Friday in northeast Texas, southeast Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The primary threats will be damaging winds, large hail and a few tornadoes. This severe weather event will continue early into next week across the Plains.
