On Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, the Marion County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency due to the impacts of severe winter weather. Marion County is one of nine counties included in an emergency declaration issued by Gov. Kate Brown earlier Saturday.
The emergency declaration allows the county to seek resources from the state and implements the county's Emergency Operations Plan.
Over the last few days Marion County has been impacted by severe winter weather resulting in numerous blocked roadways and widespread power outages. Numerous county roads are at least partially blocked by downed trees or power lines and more than 90,000 county residents are still without power.
Marion County Emergency Management is working closely with cities on urgent needs such as fuel for generators or emergency services, temporary cellular towers, and resources for residents with medical needs.
The county urges residents to heed emergency warnings and only travel when absolutely necessary. Due to the number of downed trees and power lines, restoration of power to some communities will likely take several days.
Hazardous conditions on county roads may be reported to Public Works Dispatch at (503) 588-5304. To check the status of power outages, please contact your local provider:
Marion County would like to thank our local utility companies for working tirelessly to restore power to residents; our first responders and 911 operators who are doing all they can to ensure county residents are safe; and county public works crews that have been out day and night working to clear trees and hazards from our roadways.
