Governor's state of emergency starts aid process for tornado damage

Gov. Roy Cooper on Friday declared a state of emergency for Guilford and Rockingham counties to start the flow of federal aid to help with cleanup and repairs after a tornado tore through the area on Sunday.

The declaration authorizes the use of state government resources to assist city and county governments in storm response. It is a first step in requesting federal assistance for individuals and homeowners in rebuilding.

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency were touring damaged areas Friday to see how much of the losses were uninsured and what government programs might be deployed to help.

According to the National Weather Service, the tornado that hit the Greensboro area packed winds of up to 135 mph.

City Manager Jim Westmoreland said at least 20 homes and businesses were destroyed in the storm. "This is a significant event," Westmoreland said.

The Wake County community of Wendell also saw wind damage. The governor has not declared an emergency there.