Video: Monstrous tornado strikes US Air Force base, emergency declared
The tornado stayed on the ground for about 40 minutes and travelled at roughly about 32 kmph.
A captured video that has since gone viral on social media shows the large, glowing twister moving across the area with the plane's wing visible in the foreground.
It happened around 7:00–7:30 am IST on April 24, with no major injuries reported at the base, but nearby neighbourhoods saw damage.
WHAT HAPPENED?
A Tornado Emergency was declared for southeast Enid and areas near Vance Air Force Base.
The powerful tornado touched down south of Enid and moved near the base, which is a key US Air Force pilot training centre. The aeroplane footage, filmed at night, clearly captured the illuminated vortex ripping through the ground.
The tornado stayed on the ground for about 40 minutes and travelled at roughly about 32 kmph.
The glowing look came from lightning and city lights, typical in nighttime storms.
DID IT CAUSE ANY DAMAGE?
The reported damage at Vance Air Force Base was minor, mainly including broken fencing and sign boards. No planes or housing were badly hit, and all personnel stayed safe with zero injuries on the base.
However, the nearby Gray Ridge neighbourhood in south Enid suffered heavy destruction, with several homes flattened or heavily damaged, with debris scattered everywhere.
Power lines fell, blocking roads and highways and disrupting travel.
Search and rescue teams worked through the night, going door to door to ensure the safety of the residents.
About 10 people were reported to have minor injuries, with no deaths reported so far.
Furthermore, shelters were opened for affected families, and Oklahoma's governor promised help for those who were impacted by the disaster, with full damage checks being carried out.
While Enid dealt with the tornado, a twin disaster was taking place in Braman, another town near Enid.
The twin tornadoes near Braman primarily produced rural and roadway impacts with limited structural damage to the small town itself, as the main vortex lifted or weakened before a direct hit.
The twins were a stark reminder that nature can strike suddenly and on a scale beyond our comprehension.