WINSTON-SALEM - State highway crews are starting to help clean up communities in Clemmons and Advance hit by tornadoes last week.

The Transportation Department said workers would start the cleanup effort Wednesday to pick up debris such as trees and limbs.

The Winston-Salem Journal reported Wednesday that crews also will pick up demolition debris from damaged houses, shingles, appliances or other man-made items.

Gloria Whisenhunt, chairwoman of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, said local officials have been asking for state help with the cleanup since it started Friday.