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LOCAL NEWS

Slideshow: Powerful storms pound North Carolina, Hampton Roads

04:01 PM EDT on Monday, May 12, 2008

By 13News

KELFORD, NC -- A powerful band of high winds stormed across northeastern North Carolina and Hampton Roads Sunday evening.

The worst damage reported came in Bertie County, NC where some homes were leveled and others severely damaged on Moore Road, just off Route 11.

The National Weather Service believes a tornado that touched down in Bertie Co. Sunday registered an EF2 at its strongest point.

About 50 homes suffered damage from the storm, and around 9 buildings were destroyed. Two people suffered injuries as a result of the storm, but at this time, there are no confirmed deaths.

Rudy Morris's found a number of holes in his house after the storm. His neighbors weren't as lucky.

"There was a great big garage and trailer that were gone," he said.

All that was left of another home was a pile of bricks. The couple who lived there managed to escape but both were hurt.

Video: NC, Hampton Roads sustain storm damage
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Meanwhile, law enforcement officials in Currituck County said two tornados touched down Sunday evening.

One was reported on Caratoke Highway in Poplar Branch. The other knocked down trees, and caused a temporary shutdown of Route 168 in Maple, right near the Currituck County airport.

At least one person was hurt in Currituck County.

Residents of Camden County reported seeing a funnel cloud near Old Route 17 near Elizabeth City.

High winds rolled through Hampton Roads as well, knocking down a church steeple on Goff St. in Norfolk and knocking out power to as many as 15,000 people at one point Sunday.

Earl Williams of Norfolk found his favorite shade tree uprooted and on its side after the storm.

View Storm Photos: Click here for slideshow

"I can't believe this happened. It reminds me of Isabel," he said. "Normally, my car would be parked there, but I thank God I was at work or it would have smashed my car."

Unfortunately, one of his neighbors' cars was in his spot when the tree fell.

City crews spent much of the morning cutting and removing a number of trees and branches blocking Nicholson Street.