Massive tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma on Thursday night, flattening homes, lifting cars and leaving residents on edge as millions of people across four states remained under tornado warnings.
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado formed over the town of Braman in Kay County, Oklahoma near the Kansas border at around 7.30pm on Thursday.
The town was already without power at the time, which prevented the sirens from sounding as the tornado entered town, officials said.
Just about an hour later, the weather service confirmed that another tornado formed at 8.40pm on the southeastern side of Enid, a city of roughly 50,000 people, where it struck Vance Air Force Base.
Only minor damage was reported at the base, but just to the east, the Grayridge neighborhood suffered heavy damage with homes flattened, KOSU reports.
Storm trackers reported that the massive vortex, which merged with a smaller one, was on the ground for about 40 minutes.
Overall, there were 17 reported tornadoes Thursday night between Oklahoma and Iowa, as a severe weather threat stretched all the way from Texas to the Great Lakes and dozens of tornado warnings remained in place across Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska
The National Weather Service warned the storms was life-threatening and could produce golf ball-sized hail.
Massive tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma on Thursday night
One massive tornado formed at 8.40pm on the southeastern side of Enid
‘TAKE COVER NOW!’ the National Weather Service warned online. ‘Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows.
‘If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.’
Enid emergency management officials said about a dozen people were injured in the storm, but there were no known fatalities.
INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital also reported that one individual was admitted to the medical center with lacerations on his leg after a wall fell during the tornado.
Shocking videos shared online showed the swirling black vortex lifting up debris from the streets as dark clouds filled the sky.
Houses were completely leveled by the vortex on Thursday night. Damage is seen here near Lake Kahola
KOCO News Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane was left stunned when he saw a house flattened from the storm
KOCO News Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane said the tornado over Enid, which he was tracking live on air, is ‘the strongest storm we have seen in a very long time here in Oklahoma.’
Behind him, video showed the storm ranging and leaving houses in ruins in its wake.
‘Oh, is that a house that was just hit?’ Lane said as he watched the tornado rage on. ‘Oh my goodness.’
The sight left Lane momentarily speechless, as he was seen holding his fist up to his mouth.
‘OK yeah, that house is flattened – that house is completely flattened,’ he then said as he regained his composure, noting that the tornado was ‘getting bigger and bigger and bigger right now.’
The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes struck down in Oklahoma on Thursday night, including one which hit Vance Air Force Base in Enid (pictured)
Other footage shared online showed one of the massive tornadoes lifting up a vehicle into its swirling vortex, and a tornado approaching homes at Vance Air Force Base on Thursday night.
But Enid Mayor David Mason said he had been in contact with Colonel Josh Lundeby, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander at Vance Air Force Base, and was informed that the base sustained minimal damage to the fences.
Still, authorities announced Thursday night that the base was closed indefinitely due to ongoing power and water restoration efforts.
‘Only mission essential personnel required to support critical operations and restoration of base utilities should report for duty,’ the base posted online.
‘All other personnel should remain at home and monitor official base communication channels for updates and reporting instructions.’
Nobody was injured at the base and no aircraft or homes were damaged, according to Enid News & Eagle.
When search and rescue operations then got underway on Thursday night, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the Grayridge neighborhood.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has offered his prayers for the Enid community, which he said ‘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,’ he said in a statement.
‘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.’
In the meantime, the American Red Cross said it is providing disaster assistance to those affected by the storm.