Massive tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma on Thursday night, flattening homes, lifting cars and leaving residents on edge.
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado formed over the town of Braman in Kay County, Oklahoma near the Kansas border at around 7.30pm on Thursday.
The town was already without power at the time, which prevented the sirens from sounding as the tornado entered town, officials said.
Just about an hour later, the weather service confirmed that another tornado formed at 8.40pm on the southeastern side of Enid, where it struck Vance Air Force Base.
Shocking videos shared online showed the swirling black vortex lifting up debris from the streets as dark clouds filled the sky.
KOCO News Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane said the tornado over Enid, which he was tracking live on air, is ‘the strongest storm we have seen in a very long time here in Oklahoma.’
Behind him, video showed the storm ranging and leaving houses in ruins in its wake.
‘Oh, is that a house that was just hit?’ Lane said as he watched the tornado rage on. ‘Oh my goodness.’
Massive tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma on Thursday night
KOCO News Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane was left stunned when he saw a house flattened from the storm
The sight left Lane momentarily speechless, as he was seen holding his fist up to his mouth.
‘OK yeah, that house is flattened – that house is completely flattened,’ he then said as he regained his composure, noting that the tornado was ‘getting bigger and bigger and bigger right now.’
Other footage shared online showed one of the massive tornadoes lifting up a vehicle into its swirling vortex, and a tornado approaching homes at Vance Air Force Base on Thursday night.
The storm came as a severe weather threat stretched all the way from Texas to the Great Lakes, which the National Weather Service warned was life-threatening and could produce golf ball-sized hail.
Dozens of tornado warnings remained in place across Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska Thursday night.
‘TAKE COVER NOW!’ the National Weather Service warned 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.’
The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes struck down in Oklahoma on Thursday night, including one which hit Vance Air Force Base in Enid (pictured)
As the storm hit, INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital reported that one individual was admitted to the medical center with lacerations on his leg after a wall fell during the tornado.
In the aftermath, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt offered his prayers for the Enid community, which he said ‘has been severely impacted by tonight’s tornado.’
‘I have spoken with Enid’s local leaders and will continue working with them as they assess the damage and identify needs,’ he said in a statement.
‘My prayers are with everyone on Vance Air Force Base and the surrounding neighborhood, and I am asking God to bring healing and comfort in the days ahead.’
In the meantime, the American Red Cross said it is providing disaster assistance to those affected by the storm.
