By Fox23.com News Staff
UPDATE 12:01 p.m. — The National Weather Service is reporting that some of the damage they have seen on the southwest side of Enid is EF3 so far.
ENID, Okla. — The City of Enid is reporting significant damage from a tornado that struck Thursday night.
According to the City of Enid, Integris Hospital has called in extra staff and are preparing for more patients as first responders continue to assess impacted areas.
As of right now Integris Health Enid Hospital report one person came in with cuts to their leg due to a wall falling during the storm. So far no deaths have been reported.
The City of Enid says that first responders are actively performing emergency response efforts impacting the Gray Ridge and other areas. The Enid Police and Departments are coordinating emergency response efforts.
Residents are urged to stay away from the Gray Ridge area and to keep roadways clear for emergency crews, utility teams and heavy equipment so they can safely access affected locations quickly.
Meanwhile Vance Air Force Base in Enid is closed until further notice confirming all personnel on base are safe and accounted for, but due to ongoing power and water restoration efforts and damage surveys all non-essential personnel should remain home and monitor official base communication channels for reporting instructions.
They says those impacted by the tornado can go to the Chisholm Trail Expo Center at 111 West Perdue Avenue in Enid for shelter and additional assistance.
Governor Kevin Stitt released a statement saying:
Please join me in praying for the Enid community, which has been severely impacted by tonight’s tornado.
I have spoken with Enid’s local leaders and will continue working with them as they assess the damage and identify needs.
As storms continue to move across Oklahoma tonight, I urge everyone to stay weather aware, follow local warnings, and take shelter immediately when directed.
Enid Mayor David Mason posted a statement on social media that reads:
Last night, our community faced a serious test.
A tornado caused significant damage to the Gray Ridge neighborhood and southern parts of Enid. I am very grateful to report that while homes have sustained significant damage, there have been no fatalities and only minor injuries sustained.
The response from our first responders was immediate and highly coordinated. Enid Police Department officers were deployed to the affected neighborhoods within minutes and conducted initial search efforts. They were followed by multiple additional sweeps by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Enid Fire Department – Enid, OK to ensure every home was cleared.
Throughout the night, the EPD, EFD, OHP, Sheriff Corey Rink and the Garfield County Sheriff’s office, Oklahoma Emergency Management, and Enid Public Works have worked side by side under a unified command structure. Cleanup operations began as soon as it was safe to do and will expand today with improved daylight visibility for first responders.
Our immediate goal is to make the Gray Ridge area accessible to homeowners so they can safely reach their properties to begin working with teams coordinating cleanup efforts and cat teams. We ask all residents to respect perimeter controls and allow first responders to determine when it is safe to allow non-residents into the area. For now, please avoid the immediate vicinity so crews can continue their work efficiently. Immediate donations and support will be accepted at the Garfield County Expo Center.
The support from our community has been remarkable. 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.
I have been in communication with Governor Stitt, Senator Lankford, Congressman Lucas, Senator Armstrong, and Colonel Josh Lundeby. We are working closely with state and federal partners to ensure any additional resources needed are available.
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.
This situation remains ongoing, and we will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
