RALEIGH -- Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a State of Emergency for Guilford and Rockingham counties following Sunday's tornado.

• Gov. Cooper has declared a State of Emergency for Guilford and Rockingham counties.
• The declaration is the first step in seeking federal funds for clean-up and emergency measures.
• FEMA is among agencies currently assessing damage.

Declaring a State of Emergency is the first step in seeking federal funds to help reimburse local governments for costs of debris clearing and emergency measures taken after the storm. It also assists individuals and homeowners in rebuilding efforts.

The declaration also authorizes the use of state resources and activates laws against excessive pricing in the counties during the cleanup and recovery process.

“People in Guilford and Rockingham counties were hit hard by this storm, and we know many of them will need assistance to recover,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “We are working quickly to complete the damage assessment process, so help can get to those who need it.”

Damage assessors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will join other damage assessment teams already on the ground.