Homes destroyed, Vance Air Force Base closed after tornado

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.

Mayor David Mason

Team Vance,
Due to ongoing power and water restoration efforts, Vance Air Force Base is closed until further notice.

Only mission essential personnel required to support critical operations and restoration of base utilities should report for duty. All other personnel should remain at home and monitor official base communication channels for updates and reporting instructions.

Those impacted by the tornado can go to the Chisholm Trail Expo Center at 111 West Perdue Ave, Enid, OK for shelter and additional assistance.

The safety of our Airmen, families, and community remains our top priority. Additional guidance will be provided as conditions improve and normal operations resume.