GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – A State of Emergency has been issued in Gaston County on Wednesday after severe weather stormed through the area, resulting in one person confirmed dead, downed power lines and broken trees.
Gaston County Board of Commissioners Chairman Chad Brown signed a State of Emergency on Wednesday afternoon, according to a news release.
Two people were victims of a downed tree that fell on a car. The New Hope Fire Department was called to extricate them.
One person was successfully rescued and transported to a local hospital. The second person was pronounced dead from the incident.
Officials said that nearly 45% of Gaston County was without power as of 6 p.m. Wednesday.
“We’re working as quickly as we can to make sure our residents are safe and downed trees and debris is moved out of roadways so power crews can work on getting power restored,” Brown said.