Gaston County storm disaster relief fund assistance [Video]

The declaration will provide assistance for thousands of people affected by the severe storms of May 8. 

“This state disaster declaration will help the people of Gaston County and their neighbors as they recover and rebuild after tornadoes and severe weather that brought destruction to homes and businesses,” Cooper said in a statement.

In addition to tornadoes, thunderstorms produced winds that toppled trees and powerlines throughout much of the county.

Assistance will only be available for sixty days. The next step is for the state to announce locations for in-person Disaster Recovery Centers. That information is expected to be announced by May 31.

The supercell thunderstorm produced winds up to 90 mph as it moved across York County in April. These winds, the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane, toppled trees and damaged homes. The …