Northern Oklahoma sees widespread tornado damage: What we know

At least 10 people were injured, and homes and structures were destroyed after six tornadoes moved through northern Oklahoma on Thursday. Authorities have not reported any deaths as of Friday. Below is what we know from the tornadoes that moved across Oklahoma on Thursday evening. Reported InjuriesThe Garfield County emergency manager has reported at least 10 people were injured in the Gray Ridge neighborhood area in Enid. He said that they had minor injuries. No fatalities were reported as of Friday night. Video Below: Multiple people injured, no deaths reported after tornadoes hit northern OklahomaNo injuries were reported in the areas of Braman and Newkirk following a tornado on Thursday afternoon. Honigsberg said he was aware of injuries with the storms but was unsure how many and how badly people were injured.Enid Mayor David Mason said some residents have been rescued from impacted areas. Video Below: Gov. Kevin Stitt thankful there were no deaths after devastating tornadoes hit OklahomaOklahoma Tornado Damage Oklahoma Emergency Management officials say approximately 40 homes sustained some level of damage after a large tornado hit Enid late Thursday. On Friday, state officials released a situation update stating that the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Emergency Response Team reported approximately 40 homes with some level of damage in Enid. Sky 5 flew over the scene, showing numerous homes destroyed in a neighborhood not far from Vance Air Force Base. Video Below: Devastation left behind after Enid neighborhood takes direct hit from large tornadoThe National Weather Service said the preliminary rating for the Enid tornado is EF-4.At least 10 injuries have been reported, but there have not been any fatalities as of Friday morning. The severity of the injuries is unknown.Multiple large tornadoes were reported as severe storms moved through northern Oklahoma on Thursday. Video Below: Buildings in Enid leveled after destructive tornado hitsOEM officials also said emergency managers in Kay County reported power outages and damaged barns in Blackwell and Braman. Newkirk also experienced minor wind damage and road flooding. Pawnee County Emergency Management also reported flood damage on Highway 18 north of 5500 Road and south of U.S. 412. Damage assessment, debris cleanup, and power restoration efforts are underway. Video Below: Breaking down the storm tracks after Enid hit hard by large tornadoDamage Reporting and Assessments The U.S. Small Business Administration will join state and local emergency management for damage assessments on Tuesday in Garfield County.Residents with storm damage to their homes or businesses are encouraged to report at damage.ok.gov, which helps state and local officials better understand the impacts of the storms and helps emergency managers to better coordinate response and recovery efforts and connect residents with resources.State of EmergencyOn Friday, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order, declaring a disaster emergency for Garfield and Kay counties, which were both hit with tornadoes during Thursday’s severe storms.In addition to the tornado damage, severe storms brought damaging straight-line winds and flooding.WATCH: Gov. Kevin Stitt on tornado damage in Enid“My prayers are with the families and communities who suffered during last night’s devastating tornados, and I praise God that there was no loss of life,” Stitt said in a news release. “As we navigate the recovery ahead, I am declaring an emergency to ensure resources are available to fully support the response on the ground. I am working closely with our emergency management partners and first responders to ensure Oklahomans receive assistance as quickly and safely as possible. As we continue to navigate storm season, I urge all Oklahomans stay weather aware, follow local warnings, and take shelter immediately when directed.”The executive order allows for mutual assistance from state agencies and that a state emergency operations plan has been activated.You can read the full executive order here.Vance Air Force Base ClosureFacilities at Vance Air Force Base are starting to reopen after a large tornado hit the area on Thursday, causing power outages and damage nearby. Authorities said people who are impacted by the storm can go to a Red Cross shelter at Chisholm Trail Expo Center, which is located at 111 W Purdue Ave. Below is a look at the latest from Vance Air Force Base officials. Team Vance,As of 1030 this morning, power has been fully restored across Vance AFB. Restoration efforts are underway and the installation is now open to all base personnel.The following facilities will be open to support at this time:Bowling Center: Operational and serving foodCDC: Operational for mission essential childcare supportFitness Center: Emergency Assistance Center remains open for personnel support/assistanceAAFES: will open at 1200LPlease report any damages you witness across the installation to 213-7555. Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and continued support as we work to restore the base to full mission capability. Vance Proud!Damage reported near BranamThe tornado in Kay County near Braman and Newkirk resulted in damage to one home. A barn was destroyed in the tornado, according to Kay County sheriff. No injuries were reported in Kay County. Assistance from the StateMason said he’s been in touch with Gov. Kevin Stitt, who said he wanted an update on the storm damage. Stitt said he would send anything the city needed after the damage.”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,” Stitt said. “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. As storms continue to move across Oklahoma tonight, I urge everyone to stay weather aware, follow local warnings, and take shelter immediately when directed.” >> Video Below: Enid residents tell KOCO they made it to safety despite home being damaged by tornadoA number of other state officials and lawmakers have reached out to talk with Mason after storms tracked through, including U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, who represents the area. Shelter for Tornado VictimsCrews with the Enid Public Transportation are shuttling people from damaged areas to an overnight shelter Thursday night.>> Video Below: Enid crews shuttling residents from hardest hit areas to overnight shelterThe shuttles were headed to the hardest hit areas of the city and residents will be taken to Oakwood Christian Church, located at 401 N Oakwood Road. Video Below: Red Cross sets up shelters after tornadoes hit Oklahoma; how you can helpHow to Help through the Red CrossKOCO 5 has partnered with the American Red Cross to help those impacted by disasters across Oklahoma. Those looking to make a donation to help with disaster relief efforts across Oklahoma can do so here.The minimum amount for online donations is $10. Those looking to help can also donate by mail or by calling 1-800-435-7669. All donations are tax deductible.If any of you know of anyone in need of disaster assistance, please have them call 1-800-Red-Cross or use this link to find a local shelter: Disaster Shelters | Find Shelters | American Red Cross.Where is Enid, Oklahoma? Enid, which is the ninth-largest city in Oklahoma, is located in Garfield County the northern part of the state. It is roughly 85 miles north of Oklahoma City. More Oklahoma tornado coverage KOCO 5 First Alert Weather Team, led by Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane, has been certified by WeatheRate as providing the Most Accurate Forecast in Oklahoma City for 14 consecutive years. This outstanding achievement underscores KOCO 5’s unwavering dedication to delivering reliable weather forecasts to viewers.