Enid, OK tornado: Twister sweeps US hitting Oklahoma, Iowa and Kansas - were there fatalities?

Emergency recovery and assessment is underway after a tornado swept across the US on Thursday (April 23). Authorities said the weather incident and severe storms occurred in the city of Enid, Oklahoma, and swept through a number of states, officials said.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office, which covers the area hit by the tornado, said: "At this time there are no reports of fatalities, and only minor injuries are being reported. First responders are continuing secondary searches of locations impacted by the tornado."

Oklahoma Governor, Kevin Stitt, said he had spoken to city leaders, while Vance Air Force Base, in Enid, said it was assessing the extent of any damage. Gov Stitt said: "Please join me in praying for the Enid community, which has been severely impacted by tonight’s tornado.

"My prayers are with everyone on Vance Air Force Base and the surrounding neighbourhood, and I am asking God to bring healing and comfort in the days ahead."

The National Weather Service said the tornado moved across the south-east of the city - around 54 miles from Oklahoma City - at around 8.40pm, with an emergency declared until until 11pm.

"Residents are strongly urged to stay away from the Grayridge area at this time," the city said during the evening. "Keeping roadways clear is critical so emergency crews, utility teams, and heavy equipment can safely access affected locations as quickly as possible."

The Red Cross was also on alert for any casualties, the sheriff’s office added, as video emerged of the tornado. NBC News reported resident Justin Parrish was among those shocked to see it in the area. "It got calm and I went out and was shocked," he said. "Luckily it did not hit us."

Chance Jones, a drummer for rock band Hinder, also recorded video of the tornado from outside a hotel in Enid and said: "We were about to get on our bus. This was crazy."

As well as Oklahoma, tornadoes were also reported in Iowa and Kansas on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, with hail - including droplets the size of tennis balls - also detailed. Power lines in Kay County, Oklahoma, north east of Enid, were torn down, officials, said, with one home and barns among structures damaged.

Oklahoma Senator James Lankford said he and his wife were urging everyone to be safe, and added: "Cindy and I are praying for all Oklahomans in harm’s way tonight as severe storms, damaging winds, and tornadoes move across our state."