A violent tornado ripped through northwest Oklahoma on Thursday evening, April 23, 2026, delivering a direct hit on parts of Enid and Vance Air Force Base in one of the most significant severe weather events in the region in recent years.
Tornado Emergency Issued
The National Weather Service issued a rare Tornado Emergency — the highest level of alert — as the storm approached populated areas. This marked only the ninth time such a warning has been issued by the NWS Norman office. Dramatic video and photos from storm chasers and residents captured the massive funnel cloud churning near the base and city.
Widespread Destruction in Enid
The tornado tore through south Enid and surrounding communities, damaging at least 40 homes — some reduced to rubble — while ripping roofs off buildings and downing utility poles. Residents described apocalyptic scenes in affected neighborhoods, with debris scattered widely. Emergency crews conducted door-to-door searches and rescues. As of Friday, no fatalities have been reported, though at least 10 people were injured.
A striking image captured by a local camera showed the tornado in the background with downtown Enid visible in the foreground, highlighting how close the storm came to the city center.
🚨#BREAKING: Watch as additional footage from earlier during the Tornado Emergency shows a violent tornado passing dangerously close to multiple people filming as it strikes near or at Vance Air Force Base in Enid Oklahoma. Dozens of reports indicate numerous buildings have been… pic.twitter.com/PzIvN80qSn
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 24, 2026
Impact on Vance Air Force Base
Vance Air Force Base, a key U.S. Air Force pilot training installation adjacent to Enid, sustained significant damage, including to fences, equipment, and on-base housing areas. The base was closed Friday to all but essential personnel due to power and water outages, with restoration efforts underway. Videos showed the tornado passing dangerously close to or over portions of the facility.
Recovery Efforts Underway
Search-and-rescue operations continued into Friday, with organizations like Operation BBQ Relief deploying to provide mass feeding support. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and local officials have mobilized resources for the affected areas. Additional severe storms remain possible across the broader Plains region.
The story continues to develop rapidly, with eyewitness accounts, videos, and photos spreading across X as the community begins assessing the full extent of the damage and starts the long recovery process.