Governor McCrory Requests Federal Disaster Declaration | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, NC     Governor Pat McCrory today asked President Barack Obama to declare a disaster in four counties to expedite recovery from the tornadoes and severe storms that struck much of eastern North Carolina April 25.

    "The storms that passed through Beaufort, Chowan, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties not only took the life of one and injured many more, but they also destroyed homes and damaged property," said Governor Pat McCrory. "As I toured the damage and visited with families that were affected by the storms, I pledged that we would do all that we can to help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible."

    Teams from local, state and federal emergency management agencies spent the week surveying storm damage in Beaufort, Chowan, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties. Initial reports indicate more than 100 homes incurred major damage or were destroyed by the storms, while 400+ others suffered minor damages.

    If the declaration is granted, home and business owners in Beaufort, Chowan, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties and the adjacent counties will be eligible to apply for federal low interest disaster loans or grants to help them repair their homes, pay medical costs, rebuild their businesses and begin the long recovery process.

    Nine tornadoes swept through the state last Friday, killing one and injuring 28 others. An EF3 tornado with winds of 150 miles per hour caused a 21-mile path of destruction across Beaufort County. Two EF2 tornadoes – with winds up to 125 miles per hour – tore 35- and 40-mile paths across Bertie, Chowan, Perquimans and Pasquotank counties. The storms caused significant damage in 17 counties, flooding roads, toppling trees and knocking out power to more than 6,000 residences and businesses.

    The governor declared a state of emergency for the four counties Monday.

    Since then numerous volunteer agencies, including the NC Baptist Men, United Methodist Church, American Red Cross and Salvation Army have been working with affected communities to provide meals and volunteer labor to help make home repairs and remove storm debris.

    McCrory commended the volunteers, local first responders, EMS crews and search-and-rescue teams who worked tirelessly through the weekend to help storm victims. He also thanked local, state and federal emergency management teams for their hard work and dedication responding to the storm and assessing damages.


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
        govpress@nc.gov