Washington Asks Obama to Declare Storm Disaster

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has asked President Barack Obama to declare a federal disaster in nine counties hid by flooding, mudslides and avalanches.

Damage surveys found 102 homes destroyed and 2,340 damaged by severe winter weather. Storms also damaged roads, water systems and farms.

As reports come in, more counties could be added to the list that includes Clark, King, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum.

The disaster request seeks federal assistance for families, unemployment benefits, Small Business Administration loans, farm loans and hazard mitigation.