KPTV - FOX 12Governor declares state of emergency for flooded counties

Governor declares state of emergency for flooded counties

Widespread flooding has prompted Gov. John Kitzhaber to declare a state of emergency for Marion, Coos, Benton and Lincoln counties.

His announcement comes after heavy rain and snowmelt forced evacuations and caused at least two deaths in the Willamette Valley.

"The return of severe winter weather has overwhelmed communities across our state," Kitzhaber said in a news release. "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, Kitzhaber has authorized the use of state resources to respond to the impacted areas. The military department and Office of Emergency Management will now coordinate requests for state assistance.

More counties are expected to be added to the list.

Also on Thursday, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency because of the weather.

Corvallis has also declared an emergency.

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