SALEM -- Governor John Kitzhaber Thursday declared a state of emergency for four Oregon counties, authorizing the use of state resources for the response to flooding and storm damage.
The governor’s initial declaration included Marion, Coos, Benton, and Lincoln counties. Other counties will likely be added later, he said.
Snowmelt has combined with heavy rains to flood communities across Oregon.
The small communities of Scio and Turner were forced to evacuate Thursday morning and Red Cross shelters have been set up across western Oregon.
“The return of severe winter weather has overwhelmed communities across our state,” Governor Kitzhaber said. “My priority is to ensure the safety of all Oregonians and their properties. With this emergency declaration, I have directed all available state resources to help affected counties in any way possible.”
By declaring a state of emergency, the governor also directed the Oregon Military Department and Office of Emergency Management to coordinate all requests for state assistance from affected counties.
Kitzhaber also encouraged citizens to use extreme caution while driving in affected areas. If you are safe at home, stay there, he said, and avoid putting yourself at risk.
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