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Federal declaration means help to N.C. counties for storms

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Federal declaration means help to N.C. counties for storms

A disaster declaration for 18 North Carolina counties damaged by unusual winter thunderstorms and tornadoes means local governments will get help from Washington to pay for the cleanup. (Source: Tara Buchell)

May 12, 2020 at 12:03 PM EDT – Updated May 12 at 12:03 PM

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – A disaster declaration for 18 North Carolina counties damaged by unusual winter thunderstorms and tornadoes means local governments will get help from Washington to pay for the cleanup.

President Donald Trump has granted Gov. Roy Cooper’s request for a federal disaster declaration stemming from the bad weather in February.

The storms caused downed trees flooding, power outages and closed or impassable roads.

Preliminary estimates set damages in the counties at $16 million. The declaration means state and local governments and certain nonprofits can receive some federal funds to cover repairs and other expenses.

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