Full Breakdown
Tornado Outbreak Strikes Northern Oklahoma, Destroying Homes and Mobilizing Emergency Response
4/24/2026, 11:58:42 AM
Tornado Outbreak Hits Northern Oklahoma
On April 23, 2026, a tornado near Braman formed at 7:30 p.m., and a stronger tornado struck Enid’s southeast side at 8:40 p.m., prompting a tornado emergency.
Severe Weather Outlook
The Storm Prediction Center issued a severe thunderstorm watch for NE Oklahoma, SE Kansas, NW Arkansas and a tornado watch for western Oklahoma. A stalled front increased wind shear and moisture, raising tornadic risk.
Chronology of the Tornadoes
7:20 p.m. – NWS reported a tornado near Braman, causing power and siren outage. 8:21 p.m. – Strong tornado confirmed south of Enid. 8:40 p.m. – Enid tornado devastated Gray Ridge and damaged Vance AFB. 10:30 p.m. – Garfield County logged 10-11 minor injuries, no fatalities; shelters opened and Gov. Stitt pledged aid.
Officials and Agencies Leading the Response
Gov. Kevin Stitt, Mayor David Mason, Garfield County Manager, Sheriff Cory Rink, Vance AFB command, the Red Cross, and shuttles led the response.
Injuries, Property Damage, and Power Outages
Ten to eleven minor injuries were reported in Gray Ridge; no fatalities. Homes were leveled there, Vance AFB was damaged, and power lines on Highway 81 were downed. Braman’s power outage silenced sirens, and a barn and one home were destroyed.
Government and Agency Statements
Gov. Stitt pledged state aid and urged weather awareness. Mayor Mason directed search-and-rescue, opened shelters, and oversaw assessments. Sheriff Rink reported crews operating from a command center. Vance AFB confirmed personnel accountability.
Local Response and Shelters
Crews performed door-to-door searches in Gray Ridge, rescuing residents and clearing debris. The Garfield County Pavilion and Oakwood Christian Church served as shelters, while shuttles moved evacuees. Power outages and blocked roads were reported.
Discrepancies and Unknowns
Sources differ on injury counts, citing ten to eleven versus no specific number. All agree no fatalities, but exact damage at Vance AFB and total homes destroyed remain unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
"Please join me in praying for the Enid community, which has been severely impacted by tonight’s tornado." — Governor Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma Governor
"ABOUT 10 TO 11 PEOPLE ARE HURT, MINOR INJURIES, WHICH IS GOOD TO REPORT AND NO FATALITIES REPORTED AT THIS MOMENT." — Garfield County Emergency Manager
"I DO KNOW I’M HEARING IT’S HEAVILY DAMAGED. I HAVE NOT PERSONALLY SEEN IT YET. WE’RE OPERATING OUT OF THE COMMAND CENTER HERE AT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE RIGHT NOW." — Sheriff Cory Rink, Garfield County Sheriff
"WE ARE CURRENTLY CONDUCTING ACCOUNTABILITY PROCEDURES TO ENSURE ALL PERSONNEL ARE SAFE AND ACCOUNTED FOR." — Vance Air Force Base spokesperson
Future Outlook and Recovery
Officials will finish assessments Friday; the Weather Service expects more rain this weekend. Residents should stay alert and keep roads clear.
