RALEIGH, N.C. - A North Carolina city and county have declared a state of emergency because of damage from severe storms.

  

The Catawba County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency Tuesday after getting widespread damage from Monday's storms. The declaration enables Catawba County Emergency Services to begin coordinated response and recovery efforts in unincorporated areas of the county, in collaboration with emergency response partners.

  

In addition, the City of Hickory also declared a state of emergency because of what was described as scattered damage in the city.

  

A statement from the city said current conditions are still dangerous, with fallen power lines, fallen trees and debris in the roadways. Officials are asking residents to avoid the affected areas if possible.