Emergency declared in Lane, other Oregon counties due to flooding, landslides

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Everyone is encouraged to have an evacuation plan, stay aware of changing conditions, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, prepare a go-kit, and learn about Level 1 Be Ready, Level 2 Be Set, and Level 3 Go Now evacuation alerts.

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from the Office of the Governor and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management

The governor of Oregon declared a state of emergency March 18 due to flooding and landslides from Feb. 24 through March 18, 2025.

“When emergencies hit, Oregon families and businesses need to know we have their back in every part of the state,” said Gov. Tina Kotek. “Recovery starts as soon as disaster strikes, and this declaration will help get Oregonians back to normal as soon as possible. I urge everyone to follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions.”

Following ORS 401.165, the governor determined a potential threat to life, safety, property, and significant damage to infrastructure exists due to flooding and landslides that have caused and continue to cause a state of emergency in Clackamas, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Harney (preemptively, while closely monitoring a potential flood in the Burns area), Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Multnomah, and Malheur counties.

Beginning on Feb. 24, 2025, ongoing storms have caused significant flooding and landslides throughout Oregon, resulting in one fatality, critical transportation failures and loss of power and communications capabilities.

This declaration directs the Oregon Department of Transportation to provide appropriate assistance and seek federal resources to repair and reconstruct the $10 million or more in damages and impact to the federal aid highway system in the impacted counties.

This declaration is limited to the provision of assistance by the Oregon Department of Transportation to repair and reconstruct eligible roadways that are part of the federal aid highway system. This declaration is not to be construed as a comprehensive declaration or proclamation of emergency for other purposes.

On March 17, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3, which means the state is coordinating closely with local, Tribal, and state partners to share information and support local response and recovery operations as needed.

The Level 3 activation allows OEM to maintain situational awareness, facilitate information-sharing, and help fulfill resource requests from impacted jurisdictions.

Heavy rain caused flooding of small streams, creeks, and some rivers across southwest Oregon. Urban flooding is ongoing, and there is an increased risk of landslides and rockfalls in areas with steep terrain. The National Weather Service issued multiple flood warnings, and a broader flood advisory remains in effect for several regions across the state as part of the 2025 statewide March flood monitoring effort.

Oregonians are urged to take precautions during and after this flooding event:

Stay informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and sign up for emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov. Visit the Oregon flood dashboard for real-time updates on impacts and response actions.
Avoid travel if possible: Roads may be hazardous due to flooding. If you must travel, be prepared with an emergency kit, chains, and extra supplies.
If you must leave home: Check TripCheck.com for the latest road conditions. Carry a fully-stocked emergency car kit. Read more about driving safety tips on the OEM blog.
Prepare for power outages: Keep flashlights, batteries, and a backup heat source on hand.
Never use generators or grills indoors, as they pose serious carbon monoxide risks.
Check on neighbors: Ensure elderly or vulnerable individuals have the supplies and support they need to stay safe and warm.
Know where to go to get warm: Warming shelters are available and listed at Oregon 211.
Review tips on ‘How to Stay Safe Once the Floodwaters Retreat,’ including do not turn the electricity back on if any power outlets were below the flood line as they can spark and start a fire.