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Rising Rivers Threaten Airports in Washington

Pilots and volunteers scramble to protect property.

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 04:11 PM ET

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Snohomish River flooding in 2006 [Credit: Walter Siegmund/Wikimedia Commons]

Key Takeaways:

Heavy rains are causing ongoing flooding across Washington state, directly threatening multiple airports and necessitating rescue operations in affected areas.
The Skagit River Valley is experiencing critical flooding, leading to helicopter rescues, a temporary flight restriction, and advisories for residents in the 100-year flood plain to evacuate as the river is expected to crest at 36 feet.
Specific airports like Harvey Field in Snohomish are preparing for floodwaters, with volunteers moving aircraft to higher ground, while Renton Airport faces warnings of major flooding from the Cedar River, despite currently remaining operational with some perimeter road closures.

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Flooding caused by heavy rains continues in Washington state. Several airports located near rivers are bracing for rising water, while others are being used as staging areas for rescues.

As of Thursday morning a temporary flight restriction was in place over the Skagit River Valley near the community of Sedro Woolley. Local law enforcement are using helicopters to save people who became trapped by the swiftly rising Skagit River.

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.