July 24, 2008 Storms blamed for death of woman in New Hampshire Play video

(Scot Yount, NECN: Epsom, NH) - It was a volatile weather day across New England Thursday. The Granite State was the hardest hit.

57-year-old Brenda Stevens was killed in Deerfield, New Hampshire, when the home she was in collapsed. She was with her husband and a 3-month-old infant who were injured, and taken to Concord Hospital.

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.

State Fire Marshal Willam Degnan says searchers are still looking around sections of Northwood Lake for other victims.

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. As of early Thursday evening an estimated 2,900 customers were without power. Restoration of the power is being delayed due to blocked roads.