TULSA, Okla. — Communities across Oklahoma are responding after powerful storms damaged homes and businesses in Garfield County and Kay County overnight April 23 and 24.
Previous Coverage>>> Homes destroyed, Vance Air Force Base closed after tornado
The National Weather Service preliminarily rated the storm an EF3. But later upgraded it to an EF4.
Local News
WATCH: FULL COMMENTS: Stitt tours tornado damage in Enid:
Saturday 4/25:
1:00 p.m.
The City of Enid posted on social media, thanking first responders who helped following the storms.
Friday 4/24:
4:40 p.m.
As the tornado pushed through Enid, the term "mass casualty incident" began spreading on social media. 2 News Oklahoma's Naomi Keitt reached out to the City of Enid to learn more about the phrase.
City officials told 2 News they did not declare the tornado a mass-casualty event. The World Health Organization defines a mass casualty event as "a sudden surge in patients that overwhelms the capacity of local medical resources, caused by natural disasters, violence, or road traffic closures."
Officials from 41 different countries arrived to assist in the aftermath of the storm, and the tornado's path had been checked and rechecked for any injuries just 180 minutes after it tore through Enid.
1:00 p.m.
Governor Kevin Stitt will be in Enid this afternoon to survey the damage and speak with local officials.
In a post on Facebook, Governor Stitt said in part, "I have spoken with Enid’s local leaders and will continue working with them as they assess the damage and identify needs. My prayers are with everyone on Vance Air Force Base and the surrounding neighborhood, and I am asking God to bring healing and comfort in the days ahead."
12:30 p.m.
The City of Owasso posted that officers with the Owasso Police Department are heading to Enid to help with recovery efforts there.
The post said, in part, "EPD is requesting supplies for their residents who have lost everything. We request citizen donations of (new) toiletries, wipes, cases of water, small snacks, work gloves, shovels, buckets, etc. You can drop off any supply donations to the OPD transport van parked at Old Central, right behind the Owasso Police Department. Squads of officers will be sent to take your donations directly to residents of Enid in need. We'll accept until 7 PM, but the sooner the better."
