Posted Thursday, January 12, 2012 --- 5:30 a.m.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- At least 15 people have been hurt in an apparent tornado that struck two counties in western North Carolina.

Meteorologist Neil Dixon with the National Weather Service in Greer, S.C., says the storms struck in Rutherford and then Burke counties late Wednesday afternoon.

Rutherford County sheriff's Sgt. Dwayne Wright said Thursday morning that 10 people were injured in Ellenboro, two of them seriously. Wright did not know the extent of their injuries.

He says at least 10 buildings were damaged, but more details were expected Thursday.

Dixon says five people were hurt when the storm struck in the Icard area in Burke County. He says officials initially estimated that 50 buildings had been damaged.

Forecasters plan to survey the area to confirm the damage was caused by a tornado.

Copyright 2012. The Associated Press.