"We're gonna get through this," she said at a morning news conference.
Her comments came as President Barack Obama has declared a major disaster for parts of North Carolina after last weekend's tornadoes.
The announcement clears the way for residents to receive federal assistance.
Storm victims can call the Federal Emergency Management hotline at (800) 621-3362 or go to www.disasterassistance.gov.
Perdue said the statewide death toll from the storms is now 24 after another person injured in the storm in Bertie County passed away Tuesday evening. More than a 100 are hurt and dozens of homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed.
"I can't tell you how hard it is to hear from folks who have lost everything," said Perdue.
The National Weather Service in Raleigh said approximately 25 tornadoes, five of which packed winds in excess of 135 miles per hour, impacted at least 32 counties spread over the state.
The governor encouraged everyone who can to donate money, food, clothing and toys to tornado victims.
People who want to volunteer or donate goods can call the Governor's Hotline toll free (888) 835-9966. The hotline will be staffed daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Donations can also be sent through the www.ncdisasterrelief.org website.
And, click here for more on how on how ABC11 is helping disaster victims with Harris Teeter and area radio stations.
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