Massive tornados rip through Oklahoma, destroying homes and leaving entire towns on edge as millions across four states are issued urgent warning

Major tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma Thursday night, destroying homes, lifting cars and unsettling residents as millions of people in four states remain under tornado warnings.

The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado formed over the town of Braman in Oklahoma’s Kay County, near the Kansas border, around 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The town was already without power at the time, which prevented sirens from going off as the tornado entered the town, officials said.

About an hour later, the weather service confirmed that another tornado formed at 8:40 p.m. on the southeast side of Enid, a city of about 50,000, where it struck Vance Air Force Base.

Only minor damage was reported at the base, but the Grayridge neighborhood to the east was heavily damaged, with homes razed to the ground. KOSU’s report.

Storm trackers reported that the massive vortex, which merged with a smaller vortex, remained on the ground for about 40 minutes.

Overall, 17 tornadoes were reported between Oklahoma and Iowa Thursday night; The severe weather threat stretched from Texas to the Great Lakes, with dozens of tornado warnings in place in Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.

The National Weather Service warned that the storms were life-threatening and could produce golf ball-sized hail.

A massive tornado formed on the southeast side of Enid at 8:40 p.m.

‘BEWARE NOW!’ The National Weather Service warned online. ‘Go to the basement or inner room on the lowest floor of a solid building. Avoid windows.

‘If you are outdoors, in a caravan or vehicle, move to the nearest sturdy shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.’

Enid emergency management officials said about a dozen people were injured in the storm but there were no known deaths.

INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital reported that one person was taken to the medical center with leg injuries as a result of a wall collapsing during the tornado.

Shocking videos shared online showed a swirling black vortex lifting debris from the streets as dark clouds filled the sky.

Houses were completely destroyed by the whirlpool on Thursday night. Damage visible near Kahola Lake

KOCO News Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane was stunned to see a house destroyed by the storm

KOCO News Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane said the tornado over Enid, which he followed live on air, was “the strongest storm we’ve seen in Oklahoma in a very long time.”

In the video behind it, it was seen that the storm was spreading and turning the houses into ruins.

‘Oh, is that a house that just got shot at?’ Lane said as he watched the tornado rage. ‘My god.’

The sight left Lane momentarily speechless as he was seen holding his fist towards his mouth.

Later, as he regained his composure, he said, ‘Okay yeah, that house was flattened – that house was completely flattened,’ and noted that the tornado was ‘getting bigger and bigger right now.’

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down in Oklahoma on Thursday night, including one that hit Vance Air Force Base in Enid (pictured)

Other images shared online showed one of the massive tornadoes lifting a vehicle into the swirling vortex, and a tornado approaching homes at Vance Air Force Base on Thursday night.

But Enid Mayor David Mason said he had been in contact with Col. Josh Lundeby, commander of the 71st Flight Training Wing at Vance Air Force Base, and was informed that the base had minimal damage to its fencing.

Still, officials announced Thursday night that the base was closed indefinitely due to ongoing power and water restoration efforts.

‘Only mission essential personnel required to support critical operations and restoration of base facilities should report for duty,’ the base said online.

‘All other personnel should stay home and monitor official base communications channels for updates and reporting instructions.’

No one on the base was injured and no aircraft or homes were damaged. According to the Enid News & Eagle.

A severe storm warning was issued for the Grayridge neighborhood when search and rescue operations began Thursday night.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt offered his prayers for the Enid community ‘severely impacted by tonight’s tornado.’

“I have spoken with Enid’s local leaders and will continue to work with them as we assess the damage and determine needs,” he said in a statement.

‘My prayers are with everyone at Vance Air Force Base and the surrounding area, and I ask God to bring healing and comfort in the days ahead.’

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross said it was providing disaster assistance to those affected by the storm.