July 24, 2008 National Guard assists storm rescue in New Hampshire Play video

(Lauren Collins, NECN: Epsom, NH) - New Hampshire governor John Lynch has declared a state of emergency in the southern part of the state, calling out the National Guard to help with the cleanup, as well as search and rescue.

The worst damage is in Epsom, New Hampshire, which is just east of Concord. Witnesses say they heard a roar just before noon. Homes were leveled and trees ripped right out of the ground.

Epsom elementary school has been opened as a shelter, and there are Red Cross personnel assisting on the ground.

Gov. Lynch says the storm has destroyed at least half a dozen homes, and damaged at least 100.

One fatality has been confirmed, but the circumstances are not known.