A devastating tornado struck the USA: homes destroyed, trees uprooted
On April 23, 2026, a powerful tornado ripped through northern Oklahoma, leaving behind significant destruction. The disaster hit the Enid area in Garfield County particularly hard.
Residential buildings, infrastructure, and the surrounding area of a U.S. Air Force base were damaged. According to local authorities, the tornado destroyed or severely damaged numerous homes in the Gray Ridge residential area on the southern outskirts of Enid.
Witnesses described a “worst-case scenario”: roofs were ripped off buildings, walls collapsed, and large trees were uprooted and scattered across the area. Debris littered the streets, and in some areas, the tornado completely leveled buildings.
At least 10 people were injured as a result of the tornado. Most suffered minor injuries. Fortunately, there are currently no reports of casualties.
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Rescue services are conducting a thorough search of all affected areas: emergency personnel are going door-to-door, checking for debris, and providing aid to people who may have been trapped under debris or in damaged vehicles.
The tornado passed close to Vance Air Force Base, located near Enid. According to preliminary reports, the base sustained minor property damage, primarily to perimeter fences.
Representatives of the 71st Air Force Training Wing stated that personnel accounting and damage assessment are underway at the base. The military emphasized that the safety of all personnel and their families is their priority.
Oklahoma is located in the heart of Tornado Alley, a region of the United States where the collision of cold and warm air masses often creates powerful supercell thunderstorms.
Tornadoes are common here, especially in the spring. This isn’t the first time severe storms have hit the state in 2026.
Meteorologists note that yesterday’s tornado was quite long-lasting (more than 30 minutes on the ground) and visually resembled a classic “stovepipe tornado.”
Large hail the size of baseballs and “double” tornadoes were also observed in some areas. The situation remains evolving. Rescue operations are ongoing, and experts are assessing the full extent of the damage.
