(RALEIGH) - – Gov. Bev Perdue concluded a 6½-hour tour of tornado damage with a sidewalk press conference near hard-hit Shaw University in downtown Raleigh. During the tour she spoke with President Obama, who pledged “whatever it takes to rebuild North Carolina.”

“Despite all the damage, the thing we heard the most today was how grateful people are to be alive,” said Perdue in a press release. “I ask that everyone do what they can to support the Red Cross and local shelters, and to keep everyone affected in your prayers.”

The Governor will visit Bertie, Halifax and Wilson counties Monday.

On Sunday, Perdue and First Gentleman Bob Eaves toured hard-hit counties across the state to survey damage left by a string of tornados said to be the most devastating to hit North Carolina since 1984.

FEMA has dispatched a Federal Coordinating Officer to Raleigh and the American Red Cross State Disaster Coordination Team will establish a team to assist local chapters.

The estimated death toll has been revised down to 22 from 23, according to unconfirmed reports from communities across North Carolina. About 130 people are reported as injured, with most transported to hospitals for care.

More than 130 homes have been destroyed and more than 700 are reported as damaged, some severely.

Gov. Perdue issued a State of Emergency declaration Saturday night and also waived weight restrictions on heavy trucks to allow relief supplies and crews to begin the recovery process. Additionally, local States of Emergency have been declared in Bertie, Bladen, Cumberland, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson and Wake counties.

At least 26 counties in the central and eastern part of the state have reported significant damage from tornadoes and severe winds.