Washington Airports Brace for Flooding as Atmospheric River Delivers Heavy Rain

Chehalis-Centralia prepares for the worst-case scenario, while Harvey Field anticipates no issues.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, December 08, 2025 at 04:00 PM ET

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Meg Godlewski

The Pacific Northwest is getting hammered by heavy rain, and airports near rivers are bracing for flooding events. [Credit: iStock]

Key Takeaways:

The Pacific Northwest is experiencing an "atmospheric river" bringing heavy rain and widespread flood warnings across the region.
Chehalis-Centralia Airport (KCLS), historically prone to significant flooding, is preparing for anticipated high water levels with established volunteer systems to relocate aircraft.
Harvey Field (S43) initially expected to avoid flooding but now faces a revised prediction of a 34-foot river crest, prompting urgent calls for volunteers to move aircraft and possessions to higher ground.

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The Pacific Northwest is experiencing several days of heavy rain and high winds known as an atmospheric river.

Weather officials are warning of localized flooding in low-lying areas, including the area surrounding the Chehalis-Centralia Airport (KCLS) in Lewis County, Washington. The airport is located 18 nm south of Olympia in the Chehalis Basin at the confluence of the Chehalis, Newaukum, and Skookumchuck rivers. A levee and two water pumps help protect the airport from flooding.