Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 2
WHAT
No flooding is expected. Tide heights will reach around 20.1 ft, but the relatively high barometric pressures (around 1017-1020 hPa) and low NOAA flood likelihood (3.4%) indicate minimal risk.
WHEN
Highest water levels expected around mid-afternoon (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM PST).
IMPACTS
No significant impacts anticipated. Low-lying areas along the immediate shoreline may see brief water encroachment, but no notable flooding or property damage is expected.
Analyses show that although the tide height is near 20 ft, the barometric pressure remains high compared to past moderate or severe events. Historical Category 3 events typically had higher NOAA flood likelihoods (often above 8-10%). With only a 3.4% likelihood of flooding on December 4, there is insufficient indication of a developing flood situation.
CATEGORY 4
WHAT
Flooding is likely but is not expected to cause major property damage. Tides may briefly inundate low-lying areas, primarily around the morning high tide.
WHEN
Main period of concern is near the early morning high tide (around 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM PST), when a tide height of approximately 20.6 ft is combined with lower barometric pressure near 1005–1008 hPa.
IMPACTS
• Minor to moderate coastal flooding around the shoreline
• Potential temporary flooding of low-lying roads and parks
• Standing water in spots that are prone to poor drainage
NOAA’s stated 14.3% flood likelihood and a tide height near 20.6 ft increase the probability of minor flooding. Similar historical Category 4 events had comparable tide heights (around 20–21 ft) with moderately lowered barometric pressures. While some areas may see water over sidewalks or parking areas, widespread damage is not indicated.
CATEGORY 4
WHAT
Flooding remains likely into Saturday, potentially similar or slightly more pronounced than Day 2, though major property damage is still not anticipated.
WHEN
Greatest risk around the morning high tide (particularly 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM PST). Tide forecasts approach 20.8 ft, with barometric pressures forecast near 1008 hPa.
IMPACTS
• Localized coastal flooding in typical flood-prone spots
• Possible disruptions on roads close to the shoreline
• Minor impacts to property in low-lying areas, especially if combined with wave action
Despite barometric pressure not being extremely low, NOAA’s flood likelihood is relatively high at 25.4%. In past Category 4 events, measures such as sandbagging low entry points or moving items off floors in flood-prone areas were often sufficient. These tide heights are still lower than the historic Category 5 floods (well above 21 ft with significantly lower pressure), so major property damage is not expected.
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.