Gaston County residents spent most of Friday cleaning up damage caused by a tornado which moved through the area during the early morning hours.

The roof of one building was almost torn off by a twister which packed winds that were in excess of 100 miles-per-hour.

Pieces of the roof were found scattered about a half mile away.

The fierce system tore through the Piedmont destroying homes and businesses.

In the Triad, the winds uprooted trees and tossed large cargo planes off a tarmac at one airport.

Officials say the damage was the result of a powerful F-2 tornado.

WBTV's Kristen Hampton has more details about the damage in Gastonia. Press "PLAY" to see this story.