1.
GV Uprooted trees
0.03

2.
GV & SV Destroyed water-side shed (2 shots)
0.08

3.
GV & CU Damaged sign over building (2 shots)
0.15

4.
GV & CU Damaged buildings (8 shots)
0.35

5.
CU & TRACKING SHOT "High Water" sign at flooded river's edge
0.58



Initials JH/MR/VH/1729 JH/MR/VH/1737



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The western parts of Oregon State, i n the far north west of the Untied States, was hit on Friday (15 January) by high winds and heavy rains bringing heavy damage to the area.

The damage was heavy although there has been only one known fatality. High winds swept the state and surrounding areas ripping some buildings from their foundations.

In Astoria, a storage facility used by fishermen was blown off its dock. Inside, some 50,000 U.S. Dollars (GBP20,000 Sterling) worth of fishing gear was destroyed.

The gale-force winds -- mostly unexpected -- toppled or twisted almost anything in its path. Signs, trees and small buildings were common victims. Telephone and power supplies were crippled in much of western Oregon. First estimates put damage in the two worst-hit counties at one million U.S. Dollars (approximately GBP400,000 Sterling). The State Governor declared a limited state of emergency in both counties late Friday.

With heavy snow preceding the winds, flooding has become a distinct possibility as heavy rains add to the danger. Runoff from melting snow and rain has raised the level of many rivers above the flood stage.

On Saturday night (16 January), flood warnings were up from Washington State to central California.