Enid Tornado Relief Updates

ENID, OK — Enid, Oklahoma was struck by a tornado on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The National Weather Service officially rated the Enid tornado an EF-4 with winds of 170–175 mph, carving a 9-mile path at 500 yards wide. This is the first EF-4 to strike Garfield County since April 26, 1991.

This EF-4, is one of two that have hit Garfield County, making it one of the strongest tornadoes ever recorded in the area since 1950. There has never been an EF-5 recorded in the county.

The tornado started south of Enid around 8:13 p.m. over the Vance AFB runway. It traveled south of the base and over Highway 81 when it hit the Gray Ridge neighborhood. It then traveled northeast along the area of Southgate Rd. towards 30th St. and Rupe.

Fortunately the tornado turned further east before reaching the Brookside neighborhood. The tornado passed 54th St. and dissipated east of Enid before reaching Woodring Airport.

Authorities reported at least 10 injuries and over 40 homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed.

APRIL 23 - Live footage of the tornado as it formed. https://www.facebook.com/reel/4301182153462688.

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Disaster Recovery Efforts Continue in Enid, OK.

VOLUNTEERS:
On Saturday, May 9th, a large-scale volunteer initiative coordinated by Tony Weedn and the Enid Volunteer Emergency Response Team (EVERT) will mobilize approximately 400 volunteers to assist with cleanup across five agricultural areas supporting local farmers impacted by recent damage. Volunteers will operate in two shifts: 9a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. The Salvation Army will provide lunch throughout the day with Enid Public Schools transportation will support the providing two buses and drivers to assist with volunteer effort.

MEAL SERVICE:
Officials have announced that regular meal service at the Forward Staging Area (FSA) concluded on Thursday, May 7th.

Angel Delight will host a special Mother’s Day dinner on May 10 at 5 p.m. at the FSA, specifically serving the Gray Ridge community only.

RECOVERY & INFRASTRUCTURE:
In addition to volunteer cleanup efforts, planning is underway to continue removal of concrete foundations in impacted areas as part of long-term recovery and rebuilding operations.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY MEETING:
A community meeting is scheduled for May 14, where officials and coordinating partners will provide updates on ongoing recovery efforts, volunteer coordination, and infrastructure progress. Additional details regarding time and location will be released as they are finalized.

Volunteer Sign-Up & Real-Time Updates:
Community members interested in participating in cleanup efforts or staying informed can access the following resources:

•Volunteer Sign-Up: https://bit.ly/endemvolunteers
•Real-Time Recovery Updates: https://bit.ly/enidrealtimeupdates

Officials continue to emphasize the importance of coordinated volunteer efforts and encourage residents to stay informed through official channels as recovery operations progress.