Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Higher-than-normal tides peaking near 20.2 ft around midday. Barometric pressure remains relatively high (about 1023 hPa), and NOAA’s flood likelihood is rated “Low” (3.6%). Overall, conditions are close to a flood event and worth monitoring, but unlikely to cause property damage.
WHEN
The highest risk period on December 3 will center around the midday high tide (approximately 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM PST).
IMPACTS
• Minor water accumulation in spots prone to tidal overflow such as boat ramps or low-lying shoreline areas.
• Minimal impacts to property; no widespread flooding is anticipated.
• Compared to historical Category 3 events with similar or slightly higher tides (near 20.6 ft), the higher barometric pressure and relatively low NOAA flooding likelihood keep this closer to a minor event.
• Winds remain light, reducing additional surge potential.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Tides again approach 20 ft midday, with barometric pressure near 1020–1021 hPa. NOAA’s flood likelihood is still “Low” (3.4%), indicating a similar or slightly lower risk than Day 1. Conditions remain close to a flood threshold and worthy of monitoring.
WHEN
Peak tidal concern is expected from around 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM PST on December 4.
IMPACTS
• Minor flooding near the shoreline is possible; roads immediately adjacent to the waterfront may see shallow water coverage.
• Widespread property damage is not expected.
• The combination of moderately high tides and moderately high pressure suggests little chance of severe flooding.
• Historical data for similar tide heights (near 20 ft) typically align with minor or borderline moderate flood events (Category 3).
CATEGORY 4
WHAT
Morning high tide is forecast around 20.6 ft, paired with noticeably lower barometric pressure (near 1008 hPa). NOAA’s flood likelihood increases to 14.3%. Flooding is likely, but current indications suggest it may not reach the severity of the historical Category 5 events.
WHEN
The highest flood risk occurs near the early morning high tide window (roughly 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM PST) on December 5.
IMPACTS
• Low-lying coastal areas and shore roads are likely to experience floodwaters.
• Property damage in vulnerable waterfront locations is possible, though major or widespread damage is not expected.
• Historical comparisons (e.g., the Category 4 event on 12/18/2024) show similar tide heights around 20.5 ft, though pressure then was somewhat higher. This lower pressure increases the flood risk.
• NOAA’s significantly higher flood percentage (14.3%) supports a moderate flood forecast with localized property impacts.
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.