Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Coastal water levels will approach flood thresholds with a maximum tide near 19.67 ft in the evening. Barometric pressure is forecast around 999.5 hPa, which is moderately low but not extreme. This combination suggests waters may rise close to minor flood levels, though serious impacts are unlikely.
WHEN
Highest concern from late afternoon into the evening, around 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM local time.
IMPACTS
• Minor flooding in low-lying areas near the shoreline, but little or no property damage is expected.
• Water may briefly cover sections of beaches and approach parks or pathways along the immediate waterfront.
• Compared to historical events, this tide height (approximately 19.67 ft) is below the more severe Category 4 and 5 levels seen in the past.
• Barometric pressure near 999.5 hPa is lower than normal but higher than those seen during major flood events.
• Winds are around 10-15 mph and not expected to exacerbate conditions significantly.
• Overall, this situation aligns most closely with a Category 3 event: close to minor flooding, worth monitoring, but not likely to cause wide-scale damage.
CATEGORY 4
WHAT
Flooding is likely due to a combination of relatively high water levels (about 19.72 ft) and a barometric pressure dropping to around 992.6 hPa during the evening high tide. While conditions may produce noticeable inundation, it is not expected to rise to the levels that typically cause major property damage.
WHEN
Higher flood risk late in the evening. Monitor conditions especially around 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM local time.
IMPACTS
• Flooding of low-lying coastal roads and areas is likely.
• Possible temporary closures of beachfront access points.
• Some risk of water encroachment into yards adjoining the shoreline, but major structural property damage is not anticipated.
• Conditions are comparable to a past Category 4 benchmark on 01/07/2022, which saw tide heights near 19.25 ft and similarly low pressure (~992.8 hPa).
• Local wind speeds of about 10 mph may add minor wave action but are not expected to intensify the flooding substantially.
• Preparation, such as moving loose items away from the immediate shore, is recommended.
CATEGORY 4
WHAT
Elevated flood risk as tides approach 19.77 ft, coinciding with very low barometric pressure near 989.0 hPa. Conditions are more intense than Day 2 in terms of low pressure, but the tide height is still below levels historically associated with severe property damage (Category 5).
WHEN
The highest tide will occur around the evening hours (approximately 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM local time).
IMPACTS
• Flooding of coastal roads and nearby low-lying properties is likely, with water potentially tending higher than on Day 2.
• Localize potential for moderate impacts such as water inundation in beach-adjacent lawns and parking areas.
• Beach erosion could be more pronounced due to the low barometric pressure, though major structural damage to buildings remains less likely.
• Past Category 5 floods involved tide levels above 22 ft combined with pressures near or below ~978 hPa. Today’s forecasted 19.77 ft tide, while significant, does not reach those extreme conditions.
• Wind speeds near 10 mph reduce the risk of additional surge or wave setup.
• This event remains more severe than typical minor-flood (Category 3) conditions due to the unusually low pressure. Most impacts should still be moderate and not widespread property-threatening.
You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
Categories 1-2: No risk of flooding.
Category 3: Close to a flood event and worth monitoring.
Category 4: Flooding is likely however, it is uncertain if this will cause major property damage.
Category 5: Likely to flood and cause property damage.
Categories 6-7: Extremely high risk of flooding and property damage.