EPSOM, N.H. (AP) -- Officials in New Hampshire say at least one person is dead -- the result of a swath of storms that destroyed or severely damaged at least a half-dozen homes.

State Emergency Management spokesman Jim Van Dongen confirmed the death but had no details. He said there were a number of injuries, but did not give specifics.

Governor John Lynch has declared an emergency in five counties and called up the National Guard to help.

Downed trees and power lines blocked many roads, with 6,000 homes and businesses reporting a lack of electricity.

Some witnesses described seeing a funnel cloud or clouds in the storms.