The city of Roanoke Rapids declared a state of emergency Saturday after storms rolled through the area on Friday, causing trees and powerlines to fall around the city.
According to Roanoke Rapids police chief Lawrence Wiggins, no serious injuries were reported. Wiggins also said the Red Cross stepped in to help families impacted.
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According to the city officials, damage from Friday's storm endangered the lives, safety, health and welfare of residents.
Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads while emergency crews work to clear areas.
“With these recent power outages, your safety and well-being remain our top priority, and in order to do that we ask that you all do your best to stay at home and stay off the roads,” said Kelly Traynjam, city manager.
According to city officials, this week's severe weather is the worst storm damage since Hurricane Isabelle in 2003.
City officials said it could take days before business is back to usual, but Mayor Emory Doughtie encourages the community to lean on each other.
“When you have difficult times you emerge as a stronger community," Doughtie said.
Doughtie issued a curfew in Roanoke Rapids from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. until further notice to help keep residents off the roads until power is restored. According to Duke Energy, power is expected to be restored around 11 p.m. on Sunday.