Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Minor coastal flooding is possible during the high tide early in the morning. Water levels may briefly reach into low-lying beach areas but are not expected to cause significant property damage.
WHEN
Primary concern around the early morning high tide (approximately 05:00 AM – 06:30 AM PST).
IMPACTS
• Minor, short-lived flooding in shoreline parks and roadways close to sea level.
• Localized ponding of water and isolated road closures possible, but likely brief and not severe.
• The barometric pressure (around 1024 hPa at high tide) is significantly higher than past severe flood events, lowering the overall risk.
• Tide levels near 20.6 ft are comparable to some historical Category 3 events, but the higher pressure suggests only minor flooding.
• NOAA’s Flood Likelihood for 2026-01-03 is approximately 16.3%, higher than some previous Category 3 events, yet the high pressure should mitigate more serious impacts.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Minor to moderate coastal flooding remains possible, especially around the morning high tide. Conditions are still unlikely to result in structural damage.
WHEN
Greatest concern during the morning high tide window (roughly 05:30 AM – 07:00 AM PST).
IMPACTS
• Minor flooding along low-lying shoreline areas.
• Temporary impacts to coastal walkways and isolated road closures cannot be ruled out.
• Despite slightly higher tide levels (approximately 20.8–20.9 ft), barometric pressure hovers around 1024–1025 hPa, which is still too high to strongly exacerbate tidal surges.
• NOAA’s Flood Likelihood for 2026-01-04 is about 20.6%; although notable, it remains consistent with a moderate, closely watched but not severe event (Category 3).
• Calm to moderate wind speeds further reduce the risk of significant coastal overwash.
CATEGORY 4
WHAT
Flooding is likely during the morning high tide. Rising water levels may lead to more pronounced inundation along the waterfront compared to the previous two days.
WHEN
Main concern from around 06:30 AM to 08:00 AM PST during peak tide.
IMPACTS
• Possible flooding of beachfront roads and parking areas.
• Some minor property damage is possible near the immediate shoreline, although major damage is not anticipated.
• Low-lying residential zones should monitor closely.
• The tide height is projected to be around or slightly above 20.9 ft, similar to past Category 4 examples.
• Barometric pressure is lower (~1018–1019 hPa) than the prior days, supporting a greater flood risk.
• NOAA’s Flood Likelihood (28.9%) is significantly higher on Day 3, aligning with historical events that led to moderate coastal flooding.
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.