(RALEIGH) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected in North Carolina all this week to assess damage from a barrage of storms, including tornadoes that claimed 22 lives across the Tar Heel State. In addition to the state of emergency declared by Gov. Beverly Perdue,  More than a dozen counties also have declared local States of Emergency.

The governor has also waived weight and size restrictions for large trucks so supply vehicles and recovery crews could maneuver easily throughout the state. The Red Cross from the western region of North Carolina is deploying to assist in the clean-up and recovery.

North Carolina public safety spokeswoman Julia Jarema said Monday morning that storms destroyed about 130 homes while damaging another 700. At least 26 counties sustained significant damage from tornadoes and high winds in central and eastern parts of the state. Emergency management officials urge motorists in heavily-damaged areas to allow extra time for commutes to allow for detours or road closures.