December storms declared major disaster by Trump administration. Federal support available to Union County
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – In Late February 2026, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek formally requested a major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following a series of severe storms that struck Oregon in mid-December 2025. Yesterday, Governor Kotek announced that the Trump Administration officially authorized a major disaster declaration for the damage caused by the December storms, opening future federal support options for nine impacted counties.
Specifically, the declaration will provide public assistance funding for Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Yamhill, and Union Counties, primarily covering repair and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure. According to the Governor’s Office and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), around 300,000 residents reported losing power from December 15-21, with the majority of damage reported predominantly in Tillamook and Yamhill Counties.
As written by the OEM in a recent release:
“The storms brought record rainfall and high winds that resulted in widespread flooding, landslides, and mudslides. More than 300,000 Oregonians lost power at the peak of the event, and numerous highways and interstates were closed. One fatality was reported in Yamhill County.
A joint preliminary damage assessment documented more than $15.4 million in eligible damages across the affected areas. Tillamook County recorded the highest per capita impact at $154.29 per person.”
Some disruptions were still felt in areas of Eastern Oregon, however. As mentioned, Union County is eligible for federal funding following the recent declaration. According to the OEM, the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) reported around 40 miles of downed power lines, 19 downed poles, and 2,056 customers without power for over two days in Union County as a result of the storms.
As for what comes next, the OEM will work with FEMA and reach out to local jurisdictions to coordinate support. As again written by the OEM:
“With the approval of the disaster declaration, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management will work closely with FEMA’s Field Coordination Officer, Shawna Jepson—formerly OEM’s recovery program manager—to coordinate the state-federal partnership supporting community recovery. OEM staff are already reaching out to affected jurisdictions to begin the Public Assistance application process and provide guidance on required documentation, next steps, and available resources.”
