Perdue declares state of emergency for Cherokee County

CANTON, Ga. - Cherokee County has begun cleaning up from a tornado and hailstorm that damaged hundreds of homes in the county, and Gov. Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency to allow state resources to be used in the cleanup.

State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine estimated damage from the Tuesday night storm at more than $5 million. Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison said there was widespread damage, including numerous mobile homes struck by falling trees.

No serious injuries were reported. Perdue said the Georgia Emergency Management Agency would work with federal and local officials in the cleanup effort.