Governor Roy Cooper has officially asked the government for federal disaster aid to help with tornado cleanup in Guilford and Rockingham counties.

The governor sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Thursday asking for a federal disaster declaration for the affected areas.

If approved, that would open the way for federal loans and grants to help defray the cost of storm recovery.

According to Cooper's office, local, state and federal officials have been surveying the damage over the past week. This comes even as city and county officials work to cleanup and help residents find shelter.

“This tornado destroyed or damaged homes, schools, businesses, and property along a thirty mile stretch,” Gov. Cooper said. “As I toured the damage and visited with people that were affected by the storms, I met many people who will need our help to recover from this devastation.”

In a recent visit, Vice President Mike Pence toured the damage first-hand and pledged all available assistance to help alleviate the situation.

More than 1,000 structures were damaged when an “EF-2” tornado with winds up at 135 mph ripped through Greensboro and surrounding areas.