The U.S. Coast Guard rescued five people trapped in severe floods in Washington.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a request at 10:20 am by the Cathlament Fire Department requesting helicopter support with the rescue of four individuals who were reported to be trapped in their home with four feet of water surrounding it.

Watchstanders directed the launch of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria assist.

Dramatic footage shows aircrew on an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter being lowered to hoist an individual stranded on top of a truck in Rosburg on December 5. The crew then responded to the flooded house to rescue the four remaining residents.

All distressed individuals were reported to be in stable condition and were transported to the Coast Guard Air Station Astoria.

The floods were caused by an atmospheric river bringing heavy rain and warm temperatures over the Pacific Northwest.

Atmospheric rivers, sometimes called tropical plumes or 'Pineapple Express', are long, narrow bands in the atmosphere transporting condensed water vapour. When they make landfall, the moisture is released as rain or snow.