Beverly Eaves Perdue
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
20301 Mail Service Center • Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
Contact: Chris Mackey
Date: April 17, 2011
Phone: (919) 733-5612
Gov. Perdue Visits Counties Hard Hit by Saturday Tornadoes
RALEIGH --Gov. Bev Perdue concluded a 6½-hour tour of tornado damage with a sidewalk press conference near hard-hit ShawUniversity in downtown Raleigh. During the tour she spoke with President Obama, who pledged “whatever it takes to rebuild North Carolina.”
“Despite all the damage, the thing we heard the most today was how grateful people are to be alive,” said Perdue. “I ask that everyone do what they can to support the Red Cross and local shelters, and to keep everyone affected in your prayers.”
The Governor will visit Bertie, Halifax and Wilson counties Monday morning.
On Sunday, Perdue and First Gentleman Bob Eaves toured hard-hit counties across the state to survey damage left by a string of tornados said to be the most devastating to hit North Carolina since 1984.
FEMA has dispatched a Federal Coordinating Officer to Raleigh and the American Red Cross State Disaster Coordination Team will establish a team to assist local chapters.
The estimated death toll has been revised down to 22 from 23, according to unconfirmed reports from communities across North Carolina. About 130 people are reported as injured, with most transported to hospitals for care.
More than 130 homes have been destroyed and more than 700 are reported as damaged, some severely.
Gov. Perdue issued a State of Emergency declaration Saturday night and also waived weight restrictions on heavy trucks to allow relief supplies and crews to begin the recovery process. Additionally, local States of Emergency have been declared in Bertie, Bladen, Cumberland, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson and Wake counties.
At least 26 counties in the central and eastern part of the state have reported significant damage from tornadoes and severe winds.
Preliminary Damage Assessment teams already have begun working in Greene and Cumberland counties. Damage assessment will begin in other counties tomorrow and continue through the week.
Among the major damage incidents are:
· GreeneCountyMiddle School was destroyed as were half the buses parked there. Roof was blown off GreeneCountyHigh School.
· Local Food Lion distribution plant in Dunn severely damaged.
· US 301 south of Dunn is shutdown; also closed between Micro and Kenly.
· In Sanford, the Lowes Home Improvement, Walmart and Static Control were destroyed; significant damage to Big Lots
· In Raleigh, significant damage to ShawUniversity and the DMV headquarters on New Bern Avenue. Shelters are still open in several counties, including:
· Cumberland – WestoverRecreationCenter in Fayetteville
· Greene – National Guard Facility in Snow Hill
· Halifax – WilliamDavieMiddle School in Roanoke Rapids
· Johnston – NorthJohnsonMiddle School
· Onslow – JacksonvilleCommonsMiddle School
· Pitt – FarmvilleCentralHigh School
· Wake - HeritageHigh School in WakeForest
Citizens are encouraged to avoid damage areas to allow emergency responders and repair crews full access, and to continue monitoring news reports for updates regarding the situation.
Also, motorists returning to work Monday morning in heavily-damaged areas should allow extra time for their commute to allow for detours or road closures. ###
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