OLYMPIA, Wash -- Governor Chris Gregoire proclaimed a state of emergency in 17 Western Washington counties because of damage caused by the windstorm that blew through the state Thursday night and Friday morning.

The proclamation covers Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Lewis, King, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum and Whatcom counties.

The proclamation allows state agencies to use their resources to assist local communities in their recovery efforts, and authorizes the Washington National Guard to activate its resources if needed.