$15.4M+ in December storm damages prompt Oregon governor’s plea for federal support

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Governor Tina Kotek requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following severe storms in December that caused more than $15.4 million in damage across Oregon. The request seeks public assistance for nine counties and statewide access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

The storms, which occurred from December 15th to December 21st, brought record rainfall, high winds and an atmospheric river. This weather system triggered widespread flooding, landslides and mudslides that impacted communities throughout the state.

A joint preliminary damage assessment validated more than $15.4 million in eligible damages across the state. Tillamook County recorded the highest per-capita damage at $154.29 per person. Without federal help, state officials said rural communities and consumer-owned utilities could face significant financial strain.

Gov. Kotek emphasized that the scale of the destruction has exhausted local resources. "The scale of damage from December's severe storms impacted multiple Oregon communities, with more than $15 million in losses and needed repairs. Rural communities are stretched beyond their limits and help from FEMA is urgently needed," Gov. Kotek said. "I'm requesting a major disaster declaration from President Trump because Oregonians did the hard work of showing up for each other and they deserve federal support to rebuild."

At the peak of the weather event, more than 300,000 Oregonians lost power and multiple highways and interstates were forced to close. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has developed an interactive StoryMap to provide a detailed timeline and geographic overview of the storm's impact. One person died in Yamhill County as a result of the storms.

Erin McMahon, the director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, noted that the storm arrived with very little warning. McMahon previously led the agency through other recent recovery efforts. "This storm struck our communities with little warning, leaving widespread damage and compounding the hardships from earlier storms and ongoing recovery efforts," McMahon said. "Local governments and utilities have worked tirelessly to protect lives and restore essential services, but the scale of destruction far exceeds what local resources can manage alone. Federal assistance is critical to help communities recover and build resilience against future disasters."

The request for public assistance specifically targets nine counties: Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union and Yamhill. Additionally, the governor requested statewide access to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. If the declaration is approved, federal funds will support debris removal and repairs to roads, bridges, utilities and other public infrastructure.