POLK COUNTY, N.C. -- Gov. Roy Cooper toured storm damage from Alberto across western North Carolina on Thursday. 

• Cooper to tour storm damage in McDowell, Rutherford and Polk Counties.
• He declared a State of Emergency on Thursday.
• The threat for flooding, landslides and mudslides remains. 

Thursday, he declared a State of Emergency.

“We are all deeply saddened to learn that this storm has likely claimed two more lives. Our thoughts are with the victims’ family and friends, and with the rescue crews working tirelessly at the scene of this tragedy and elsewhere across our state," the governor said in an earlier statement. “If you encounter a road that is flooded, washed out or blocked by trees or landslides, turn around. Crews are working to clear and reopen roads as soon as it’s safe to do so, and you can make their job easier by keeping out of their way," he continued. 

Two bodies were recovered from a home in Watauga County and two others were killed in Polk County by a falling tree. 

Over 50 roads remain closed in Avery, Burke, Clay, Buncombe, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Pender, Polk, Rutherford, Swain and Transylvania counties. 

With the potential for river and lake levels to rise, the possibility remains for flooding, landslides and mudslides.

During a press conference, Cooper says that two shelters are still open and if more rain causes more damage, efforts can be ramped back up.