Oregon Public Broadcasting

Rising flood waters have led to evacuations and road closures in the Willamette Valley. Governor Kitzhaber declared a state of emergency in response to the severe winter weather late Thursday afternoon.

“The return of severe winter weather has overwhelmed communities across our state,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “My priority is to ensure the safety of all Oregonians and their properties. With this emergency declaration, I have directed all available state resources to help affected counties in any way possible,” said Governor Kitzhaber.

Flooding in Turner

Evacuations are under way in Turner in Marion County. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports from just outside of town.

In the town of Turner, city officials have encouraged all residents to evacuate. Shelters are open in Salem for those displaced by flood waters.

Salem residents Mark and Andi Bean were eyeing the rising waters. They were filling up sandbags at a city of Salem maintenance facility.

Mark Bean: "We've got about six intersections all closed off in like a three-block radius of us. The alley way was the only way to drive out. So we figured we'd better grab a few just as a precaution. I don't think it will be a problem, but..."

Andi Bean: "I do. I do."

Flooding in Scio

In a foot of water, the hardware store in Scio is still open for business. Kristian Foden-Vencil visits with the owner.

The rising waters led officials at the Oregon State Penitentiary to put the facility on lockdown status.

In Albany, two people were killed when their vehicle was swept into a raging creek.

Flood watches and warnings remain in effect for most western Oregon until Friday morning.

The severe weather is also wreaking havoc in Washington state, where Governor Chris Gregoire has declared a state of emergency.

Flooding, landslide and snowslides across the state on Thursday.

View Oregon Weather in a larger map. Created by Arashi Young.

Amanda Peacher contributed to this story.