Governor Tina Kotek announced on April 14 that the President has declared the December storms in Oregon a major disaster, making federal Public Assistance funding available to help communities recover from the severe weather event that occurred from December 15 to 21, 2025.
The declaration allows nine counties—Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union, and Yamhill—to access funds to repair damage to roads, bridges, utilities, and other public infrastructure. The state has also requested Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for long-term risk reduction projects; this request is still under review by federal authorities.
According to the announcement, the storms brought record rainfall and strong winds that led to widespread flooding as well as landslides and mudslides. At the height of the event more than 300,000 residents lost power. Numerous highways and interstates were closed due to storm impacts. One fatality was reported in Yamhill County. A joint preliminary damage assessment documented over $15.4 million in eligible damages statewide. Tillamook County experienced the highest per-capita impact at $154.29 per person.
With approval of the disaster declaration now in place, officials from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management will work closely with FEMA’s Field Coordination Officer Shawna Jepson—who previously served as OEM’s recovery program manager—to coordinate state-federal efforts supporting community recovery. OEM staff have already begun reaching out to affected jurisdictions about starting Public Assistance applications and providing guidance on documentation requirements and next steps.
OEM said it remains committed to supporting local partners through recovery efforts and advocating for hazard mitigation funding aimed at strengthening long-term resilience across Oregon.
