A violent EF-4 tornado — the strongest to strike the United States so far in 2026 — carved a 10-mile path of destruction through Enid, Oklahoma on the evening of April 23, leveling homes in the Gray Ridge neighborhood, damaging Vance Air Force Base, and prompting Governor Kevin Stitt to declare a state disaster emergency.
What Happened
The tornado touched down during the evening hours of April 23, 2026, with the National Weather Service confirming winds up to 175 mph and a width of approximately 500 yards at its peak. The twister spent 29 minutes on the ground, cutting across Enid's south side and into surrounding areas of Garfield County. The Gray Ridge neighborhood sustained the most catastrophic damage, with homes completely flattened and debris scattered across blocks.
Vance Air Force Base, located south of the city, sustained damage to lighting systems and taxiway infrastructure, forcing a temporary closure of the installation. At least 10 people were injured across the affected area, though officials confirmed all injuries were non-life-threatening. Remarkably, no fatalities were reported despite the extreme intensity of the storm.
State and Federal Response
Governor Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2026-17 on April 24, declaring a disaster emergency for Garfield and Kay counties after surveying the damage. FEMA deployed personnel to Oklahoma, including an acting regional administrator, to coordinate with local emergency management. The U.S. Small Business Administration announced it would join state and local officials for joint damage assessments beginning April 28.
Relief Organizations Mobilize
The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Enid Chisholm Trail Expo Center, providing food, water, relief supplies, and emotional support to displaced families. Red Cross disaster workers have been on the ground since the night of the tornado.
FEMA has personnel on the ground working with local officials to assess the full scope of damage and determine what additional federal resources may be needed for recovery.
The Salvation Army of Arkansas-Oklahoma mobilized Rapid Response Units to the Gray Ridge area, distributing meals, snacks, and supplies to affected residents and volunteers assisting with cleanup efforts.
How You Can Help
The 2026 Enid, Oklahoma EF-4 Tornado disaster page on the Relief Directory provides direct links to organizations actively responding on the ground. With damage assessments still underway and families displaced, continued support is critical to help Enid recover from the strongest tornado to hit the U.S. this year.
