Gov. Timothy M. Kaine this morning said he will seek emergency funding from the federal government to assist the state in its efforts to aid southeastern Virginia localities affected by yesterday's tornadoes.

Kaine characterized the damage to Suffolk, Colonial Heights and surrounding areas as "very, very serious devastation" and said it was "amazing" that there weren't more serious injuries resulting from the storms, which severely damaged roughly 150 homes and resulted in more than 200 injuries.

"The damage is very significant," Kaine said during his monthly appearance on WTOP radio's "Ask the Governor" show in Northern Virginia.

Kaine declared a state of emergency last night after receiving reports of the devastation in Suffolk. He said he would compose a letter this afternoon formally requesting federal assistance.

The governor is expected to tour the areas of Suffolk affected by the tornadoes at 3 p.m. He said as many as 500 to 600 people could have been displaced as a result of the damage to homes, but only 30 or so sought help in emergency shelters last night.

-- Jim Nolan