Floodwater covers the Vale Rodeo Grounds on Tuesday, Feb. 25, as the Malheur River peaked at 23.55 feet at midday. The river is considered a major flood stage when it reaches 23 feet at Vale. (ANGIE SILLONIS/For the Enterprise)

The Malheur River has surged to a major flood stage, putting parts of Malheur County at risk as roads become submerged and farmland is inundated.

On Tuesday, authorities warned residents that the Malheur River was likely to reach major flood stage. Many homes have already been affected.

As the Malheur River spills its banks due to rain and warm weather causing early runoff, officials are making plans to deal with the situation.

The Malheur River surged to a major flood stage Tuesday night, inundating roads and homes in eastern Oregon. The river, which reached this criti