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 high winds, prompting widespread flood warnings across western Washington and Oregon.
Chehalis-Centralia Airport (KCLS), which has a history of flooding, is prepared with a system and volunteers to relocate aircraft to higher ground in anticipation of predicted high water levels.
Harvey Field (S43), initially not expecting flooding, has issued urgent calls for volunteers to move aircraft and possessions due to new predictions that the Snohomish River will crest at dangerous levels.

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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.