Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 2
WHAT
No significant flooding risk is expected. While tidal levels may reach around 19.5 feet in the early morning, barometric pressure near 1003.6 hPa remains moderate, and NOAA forecasts indicate a very low flood likelihood. Winds are light and not oriented in a way that would substantially push water onshore.
WHEN
Highest tide risk window: Around 03:30 AM – 04:30 AM local time.
IMPACTS
• No property damage anticipated.
• Low-lying areas near the immediate shoreline may see shallow water, but significant inundation is unlikely.
• Road closures are not expected.
Historic Category 3 or 4 events often accompany either higher tides (above ~20 ft) with substantially lower pressure (<1000 hPa) or strong onshore winds. Friday’s conditions show neither especially low pressure nor strong winds, making flooding less likely. The 0.0% flood likelihood from NOAA supports a Category 2 assessment.
CATEGORY 2
WHAT
Again, no immediate flood risk is indicated. Morning and evening high tides could hover around 19.6 feet, but the barometric pressure is projected at 1016.8 hPa in the morning high tide and roughly 1009.4 hPa in the evening—both relatively high compared to past flood events. NOAA also shows a 0.0% flood likelihood.
WHEN
Highest tide risk windows: Around 04:00 AM – 05:00 AM and 06:00 PM – 07:00 PM local times.
IMPACTS
• No damaging flooding effects are expected.
• Minor coastal splash-over or ponding possible along the immediate shoreline, but widespread impacts are unlikely.
Comparisons with historical Category 3 and above events typically reveal lower barometric pressure near or below 1000 hPa and often higher tides above 20 feet. Neither factor is met here, and NOAA’s data remains consistent in suggesting minimal flood risk.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
A closer approach to possible flood conditions is anticipated. The highest tide of about 19.6 to 19.7 feet coincides with barometric pressure dipping below 1000 hPa (around 996.5–997.0). This lower pressure can increase water levels slightly, drawing closer to minimal flood thresholds, though NOAA’s official forecast still shows low likelihood.
WHEN
Highest tide risk windows:
• Early morning around 04:30 AM – 05:30 AM.
• Late afternoon into early evening peak near 07:00 PM – 08:00 PM local time (notably with 996.5 hPa).
IMPACTS
• Minor flooding near beaches and very low-lying areas is possible.
• Parking lots, walkways, and some coastal roads adjacent to the shoreline could see brief ponding.
Historically, events classified as Category 4 often feature lower barometric pressure (around or below 992 hPa) or tides surpassing 20 feet. While Day 3’s pressure is somewhat low and tide levels are relatively high, they are not extreme enough to imply major impacts. Thus, Category 3 indicates being “close to a flood event and worth monitoring” without expecting significant damage.
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.