(RALEIGH) --  U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan visited storm and tornado-ravaged areas in North Carolina. Hagan toured the wreckage at the Lowe's in Sanford, where employees guided all customers to safety during Saturday's violent storms.

She was joined by Sanford Mayor Cornelia Olive and store manager Mike Hollowell. While in Sanford, Hagan also toured the damage at Static Control, the largest employer in the city, and walked through the St. Andrews neighborhood, where many homes were destroyed by the storms, to meet with local residents and hear their experiences.

Hagan also toured the Shaw University campus with Shaw University President, Dr. Irma McClaurin, Mayor Charles Meeker and members of the Shaw community.   Hagan spoke with Shaw students, faculty and alumni, as well as first responders on the scene, during her visit. Due to the immense damage to the campus from Saturday's storms, Dr. McClaurin announced earlier in the day that the university would be closed for the remainder of the semester.

"As I toured the devastation across Sanford and Raleigh today, I was overcome with many emotions: sorrow for those who have lost loved ones, admiration for those who courageously helped their neighbors and friends to safety, and determination to do all that I can to get affected North Carolinians back on their feet," Hagan said in a press release.

"Countless North Carolinians have lost their homes and their businesses as a result of this severe storm, and I will work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that all possible federal resources and assistance make its way to our state. I am also continuing to coordinate with the Governor's office, and federal, state and local emergency responders to provide help to those in need as quickly as possible. As our communities work to recover from the storm in the upcoming weeks and months, I want North Carolinians to know that they can contact my office for updated information, support and assistance."