Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Tides will reach nearly 19.7 feet in the evening hours of August 14, with barometric pressure around 1008 hPa. Although this tide level is relatively high, the pressure is not especially low, and wind speeds are moderate. Overall conditions suggest that we will be close to a flood event but are unlikely to see damaging impacts.
WHEN
Highest tide expected around 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM local time.
IMPACTS
• Minor overflow in very low-lying coastal spots is possible.
• Parking areas or walkways immediately next to beaches could see marginal inundation.
• No significant property damage is anticipated based on current conditions and NOAA’s low flood likelihood rating.
Compared to past Category 4 events (tide heights normally exceeding 19 feet combined with much lower barometric pressures), today’s higher pressure reading and moderate wind speed reduce the flood risk. NOAA’s forecast also indicates a 0% flood likelihood. Historically, similar tide heights paired with higher barometric pressures have produced no major flooding problems, placing this event solidly in Category 3—close enough to watch but not expected to cause damage.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Another high tide of approximately 19.4 feet is predicted late on August 15. Morning tides are lower (approximately 16–17 feet) but occur alongside somewhat lower barometric pressure at around 1002 hPa. Even so, these pressures remain far above the significantly low thresholds (<992.8 hPa) historically linked to severe floods.
WHEN
• Morning highest tide near 9:42 AM (around 16–17 feet; pressure ~1002 hPa).
• Evening peak tide near 8:54 PM to 9:00 PM local time (~19.4 feet; pressure ~1007 hPa).
IMPACTS
• Minor nuisance flooding could develop in typical low-lying, shoreline-adjacent locations.
• No major disruption expected, with minimal to no property damage.
• NOAA continues to indicate a 0% flood likelihood for August 15.
Looking at past Category 3 events where tides reached similar or higher levels (17–20 feet) but with higher barometric pressures, the resulting impacts were minor. None of the key factors rise to Category 4 intensity. Winds are not forecast to be strong (generally below 15 mph), further reducing the chance of significant water push onto land.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Tides will peak near 18.9–19.0 feet on August 16. Barometric pressure, again, remains well above historically concerning lows, at about 1008–1009 hPa around peak tide times.
WHEN
Late evening tide near 9:30 PM to 9:45 PM local time is expected to be the day’s highest.
IMPACTS
• Some localized ponding of water in usual spots adjacent to the shoreline.
• Property damage is not anticipated.
• NOAA’s flood likelihood estimate remains 0% for this date.
This scenario is similar to other moderate-tide events in the historical record. Although the tide is moderately high, the air pressure stays too high to cause a more serious Category 4 or 5 event. Winds do not appear to be coming from a direction or at a speed likely to exacerbate flooding significantly. Therefore, Category 3 (“close to a flood event”) remains the most fitting assessment.
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.