Massive tornadoes tore through Oklahoma on Thursday night, devastating homes, lifting vehicles, and leaving residents on high alert. The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado formed over the town of Braman in Kay County, near the Kansas border, at approximately 7:30 p.m. Officials reported that the town was already without power at the time, which prevented the warning sirens from sounding as the tornado approached.
Second Tornado Strikes Enid and Vance Air Force Base
About an hour later, at 8:40 p.m., the weather service confirmed another tornado on the southeastern side of Enid, which directly struck Vance Air Force Base. Shocking videos shared on social media depicted the swirling black vortex lifting debris from the streets as dark clouds filled the sky.
KOCO News Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane, who was tracking the storm live on air, described the Enid tornado as 'the strongest storm we have seen in a very long time here in Oklahoma.' Behind him, footage showed the storm raging and leaving houses in ruins. 'Oh, is that a house that was just hit?' Lane exclaimed as he watched the tornado's destruction. 'Oh my goodness.'
Meteorologist Stunned by Destruction
The sight left Lane momentarily speechless, as he was seen holding his fist to his mouth. 'OK yeah, that house is flattened — that house is completely flattened,' he said after regaining his composure, noting that the tornado was 'getting bigger and bigger and bigger right now.' Other footage showed one of the massive tornadoes lifting a vehicle into its vortex and approaching homes at Vance Air Force Base.
Severe Weather Threat Across Multiple States
The storms occurred as a severe weather threat stretched from Texas to the Great Lakes, with the National Weather Service warning of life-threatening conditions and the possibility of golf ball-sized hail. Dozens of tornado warnings remained in effect across Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska Thursday night.
'TAKE COVER NOW!' the National Weather Service urged 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.'
As of now, no injuries have been reported from the tornadoes.
