President Approves Major Disaster Declaration for December Storms in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — Tina Kotek announced Tuesday that the President has approved a major disaster declaration for the severe storms that battered Oregon in December, unlocking federal funding to help communities recover.

The declaration covers damage caused by an atmospheric river event that struck the state between December 15 and 21, 2025, bringing intense rainfall and high winds that triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and mudslides.

Under the declaration, federal Public Assistance funding will be made available to nine of the hardest-hit counties: Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union, and Yamhill. The funding will help cover eligible costs for repairing and restoring damaged public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and utilities.

State officials said Oregon has also requested additional funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to support long-term projects aimed at reducing future disaster risks. That request remains under review.

The December storms had far-reaching impacts across the state. At the height of the event, more than 300,000 residents lost power, and numerous highways and interstates were forced to close. One fatality was reported in Yamhill County.

A joint preliminary damage assessment found more than $15.4 million in eligible damages statewide. Tillamook County experienced the most significant per-capita impact, with losses estimated at $154.29 per person.

Following the federal approval, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management will coordinate closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including FEMA Field Coordination Officer Shawna Jepson, a former OEM recovery program manager. Officials said the agency has already begun reaching out to local jurisdictions to guide them through the Public Assistance application process and outline next steps.

State leaders emphasized that recovery efforts are ongoing and that securing mitigation funding remains a priority to strengthen resilience against future disasters.

More information about recovery efforts and emergency preparedness resources is available through state and federal emergency management agencies.