Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proclaimed a State of Emergency in six counties because of the storms, including San Luis Obispo County.

The San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services had proclaimed a Local Emergency in the county Tuesday afternoon. Now that the Governor has approved a State of Emergency, San Luis Obispo County will have access to state agency resources needed for various flood recovery.

San Luis Obispo County officials said the Oceano area will need the most assistance because of the damage.

The state resources will not provide direct help to storm victims, but the county said the state proclamation is a step needed before federal assistance can be requested. It is unknown at this point whether or not Governor Schwarzenegger will make a request for federal assistance.

The other counties listed under the State of Emergency unclude Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Bernadino and Tulare.