Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 4
WHAT
Flooding is likely, though it is not expected to reach levels that would cause major property damage. Tide heights are forecast to peak around 20.88 ft during the morning hours, with a barometric pressure near 1010.63 hPa.
WHEN
Highest risk for flooding will be near the morning high tide (approximately 06:00 AM through 08:30 AM PST).
IMPACTS
• Possible flooding of low-lying roadways and parking areas near the shoreline.
• Minor impacts to boat ramps and marinas.
• Very localized property impact near the immediate waterfront, but major damage is not anticipated.
Historical Category 4 events often feature tide heights exceeding ~20 ft with moderately low barometric pressures. The NOAA Flood Likelihood for January 6 is 24%, higher than past lower-category events. While the pressure of about 1010.63 hPa is not extremely low, it is still sufficiently lower than some Category 3 historical benchmarks, indicating a moderate concern. Thus, a Category 4 classification is appropriate.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Close to a flood event and worth monitoring, but unlikely to cause flood damage. Tide heights will approach or slightly exceed 20.7 ft, accompanied by a relatively high barometric pressure of ~1025–1026 hPa.
WHEN
Flood risk will be highest near the morning and evening high tides (shortly after 08:00 AM PST and again around 07:00–08:00 PM PST).
IMPACTS
• Minor overflow along the immediate shoreline, but significant property damage is not expected.
• Potential nuisance flooding of low-lying coastal roads, especially during maximum high tide.
Although NOAA indicates a 17.1% flood likelihood, the very high barometric pressure near 1026 hPa diminishes the severity typically associated with higher tides. This pressure value is considerably higher than in notable Category 4 events, so the flooding risk is lower. Overall, this aligns with a Category 3 assessment.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Close to a flood event, worthy of attention as tides peak near 20.5 ft, with barometric pressure around 1012.53 hPa. Moderate caution is advised around times of high tide.
WHEN
Expect the highest tidal influences near 08:30–09:00 AM PST and again near 08:00–09:00 PM PST.
IMPACTS
• Minor coastal road flooding possible, typically near the immediate shoreline.
• Brief impacts for low-lying park areas and docks, but no major damage predicted.
NOAA’s flood likelihood for January 8 stands at 9.3%, which is lower than the preceding days. While the barometric pressure drops somewhat compared to Day 2, the tide levels remain below 21 ft, reducing the risk of more significant flooding. Historical Category 3 events show similar tide heights around 20 ft but generally do not escalate to major property damage when barometric pressure remains above extreme lows.
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.