Two dead in U.S. East Coast storms

KENLY, N.C., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Authorities blamed tornadoes for the deaths of two people Saturday in North Carolina.

State police said the body of a woman was found in the debris of her home in Kenly, while her son was missing and her father was hospitalized with injuries, WECT-TV in Wilmington reported.

A 7-year-old boy died in Wilson.

The victims' names were not immediately available.

A string of storms hit about 1 a.m., knocking down trees and power lines in a half-dozen communities.

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley is to tour the damaged region Sunday, WRAL-TV in Raleigh said.

"I want to express my sympathy to the families who lost loved ones in this damaging storm, as well as my concern for those who were injured, have had homes and property destroyed or damaged," Easley said. "We will do all we can to assist those in the affected areas."