As you all are aware two tornados struck the City of Roanoke Rapids at approximately 5:00 p.m. today. There is a curfew currently in effect and it will remain in effect until 7:00 a.m.  The Mayor of the City of Roanoke Rapids has declared a State of Emergency.   

Winn-Dixie.

An Incident Command Post has been established at City Hall.   Surrounding jurisdictions are providing assistance. The City of Roanoke Rapids is requesting that only emergency travel occurs at this point. Citizens are encouraged to stay inside their homes for their own personal safety. 

All gas leaks have been contained.  No serious injuries have been reported at this time. 

There has been one structure fire at the corner of Carolina Street and Park Avenue.  It has been extinguished at this time.  There are numerous trees and power lines down. 

Dominion North Carolina Power crews are working through the night to reinstate power as soon as possible.  Dominion has indicated that there are approximately 3,000-4,000 homes without power in the City of Roanoke Rapids.  The worst structure damage and power line damage is concentrated in the vicinity of 10th Street and Park Avenue, River Road, Birch Street and Rebecca Street in South Rosemary. 

Behind Guardian Care.

There was serious structure damage to the Sonic, the Winn Dixie shopping Center, the North Carolina Employment Security Commission as well as various residential structures scattered throughout the City.  Damage Assessments will begin today morning. 

Residents of Guardian Care Rest Home also received damage and as a result residents in the impacted portion of the building were moved into empty rooms and hallways within the facility.  If citizens experience an emergency they should continue to contact 911 Emergency Services.