Enid, Oklahoma, surveys damage after massive tornado tears through city
Residents of Enid, Oklahoma, surveyed the damage Friday after a massive tornado ripped through the city Thursday night.
Enid Mayor David Mason said Friday that homes sustained “significant damage” but that no deaths were reported and only minor injuries were reported.
Damage to approximately 40 homes in the area was reported, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.
Alonzo Adams/AP – PHOTO: A destroyed house in Enid, Oklahoma, on April 24, 2026, following the tornado that ripped through Oklahoma on April 23.
Alonzo Adams/AP – PHOTO: Buildings are shattered in Enid, Oklahoma, on April 24, 2026, after a tornado ripped through Oklahoma on April 23.
Officers responded quickly to affected neighborhoods and additional sweeps ensured “every home was cleared,” the mayor said in a statement.
“Cleanup operations began as soon as it was safe and will expand today,” Mason said.
Alonzo Adams/AP – PHOTO: A man clears debris from a commercial woodworking shop in Enid, Oklahoma, on April 24, 2026, after a tornado ripped through Oklahoma on April 23.
KOCO – PHOTO: A damaged house is seen the morning after a tornado passed through Enid, Oklahoma, on April 24, 2026.
Mason praised the community support, noting that “local businesses are offering equipment and labor, residents are opening their doors, and supplies are already flowing.”
“That’s who Enid is in difficult moments; we continue to support each other,” she said. “Please continue to pray for those impacted, the families struggling with loss, and every first responder who worked tirelessly throughout the night.”
KOCO – PHOTO: A tornado passes through Enid, Oklahoma, April 23, 2026.
KOCO – PHOTO: A damaged house is seen the morning after a tornado passed through Enid, Oklahoma, on April 24, 2026.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt took to social media Thursday to ask for prayers for the community of Enid, located about 90 miles north of Oklahoma City.
At least five tornadoes were confirmed in the region on Thursday, including two in Oklahoma.
Hurricane Enid was the most notable; It ripped through the city and nearby Vance Air Force Base around 8:22 p.m. A rare “tornado emergency” was issued by the National Weather Service; This is the highest warning level reserved for strong hurricanes that pose a significant risk to life and property. The NWS confirmed EF4 damage from the Enid tornado, indicating wind gusts greater than 166 mph.
KOCO – PHOTO: A destroyed house is seen the morning after a tornado passed through Enid, Oklahoma, on April 24, 2026.
KOCO – PHOTO: Destroyed homes are seen the morning after a tornado passed through Enid, Oklahoma, on April 24, 2026. April 24, 2026.
Vance Air Force Base said in a statement Friday that it is closed until further notice “due to ongoing power and water restoration efforts.”
More severe weather is expected in northeast Texas, southeast Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi on Friday. The main threats will be damaging winds, large hail and a few tornadoes. This severe weather event will continue in the Plains into early next week.
