"Thank God the children were not there when this storm hit. What a devastating blow to this school," Cooper said.
Cooper spoke outside Springfield Middle School in Wilson County. He said the tornado devastated the 6th and 7th grade classrooms but left the 8th grade classrooms basically untouched.
"Looked like an explosion. The window was blown out. What was amazing to me was--a strong brick structure, how many different bricks were everywhere. An explosion is the best way to describe it," Cooper said.
He said school district leaders would be evaluating the school damage and working to develop a plan that allows students of the school to have minimal disruption to their education.
Also in Wilson County, a man was found dead inside his tornado-ravaged home. That man's identity has not been released.
"Wilson County just experienced a tough time, but we're going to get through it by the grace of God." Wilson County Sheriff Calvin L. Woodard, Jr. said.
Cooper's first Debby briefing Thursday
Thursday morning, Cooper visited the North Carolina Emergency Management Regional Coordination Center East and the North Carolina National Guard Armory in Kinston. Shortly after 11 a.m. Cooper, flanked by North Carolina Emergency Director Will Ray, spoke about the state's response to Debby.
"North Carolina continues to face unrelenting rain and destruction from tropical storm Debby," he said. "I'm grateful for the work of first responders and urge people to take precautions against this storm and listen to guidance from state and local Emergency Management officials."
Cooper revealed that the state had activated another 24 National Guard members, increasing the total number to 374. Those members as well as other rescue teams have responded to multiple reports of tornado touchdowns throughout the eastern part of the state.
Governor Cooper gives update on Debby
"We ask North Carolinians to be careful, to be safe, to pay attention to local officials. particularly if you live in low lying areas prone to flooding," Cooper said.
Emergency officials also urged people to obey evacuation orders, even if they're voluntary. People are also encouraged to stay off the roads if you do not need to travel. If you must travel, visit DriveNC.gov.
The state has reported more than 100 road closures statewide due to flooding and downed trees. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has more than 2,200 workers activated and ready to clear roadways as quickly as possible.