Flood Watch

Redondo Beach, WA

Day 1: 2024-03-12

CATEGORY 3

WHAT Minor coastal flooding expected. Possible inundation of up to 0.5 feet above ground level near shorelines and low-lying areas.

*WHEN From 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM PST.

IMPACTS Minor flooding of low-lying areas, parks, and roads. Isolated road closures possible.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

The barometric pressure is forecasted to be around 1012 hPa during the high tide at 6:00 AM, which is higher than the threshold that has historically led to severe flooding events. However, the tide height is expected to be significant, and when combined with the overcast weather and light drizzle, there is a potential for minor coastal flooding. The wind direction from the SSE may contribute to water levels but is not as critical as W/NW winds in exacerbating flood conditions. Comparing with historical events, particularly the Category 3 event on 12/27/2023, the current conditions seem less severe but warrant monitoring due to the high tide.

Day 2: 2024-03-13

CATEGORY 2

WHAT Low risk of coastal flooding. No significant inundation expected.

WHEN The entire day presents a low risk for flooding.

IMPACTS No significant impacts anticipated. Normal tidal conditions expected without substantial overflow.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

The barometric pressure remains relatively high at around 1012 hPa during the morning high tide and increases throughout the day, suggesting stable weather conditions. The tide height is lower than on Day 1, and NOAA's flood likelihood is low at only 1.7%. The wind direction is from the SSE in the early hours but shifts towards SSW later in the day, which does not significantly contribute to flood risks in this region.

Day 3: 2024-03-14

CATEGORY 4

WHAT Likely to experience coastal flooding with potential property damage.

WHEN High risk from early morning around 6:00 AM continuing through late evening.

IMPACTS Flooding of properties close to shorelines, with possible damage due to water intrusion. Roads near coastal areas may become impassable.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

On Day 3, the barometric pressure drops significantly to around 1007 hPa during both high tides, which is closer to the threshold observed during previous Category 4 events. The tide height is also expected to be higher than on previous days. Although NOAA's flood likelihood remains low at 0.3%, the combination of low pressure and high tides could lead to more substantial flooding than predicted by NOAA's model. This scenario resembles conditions similar to the Category 4 event on 01/07/2022, although wind speeds are not as high as in that historical event.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Residents 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. Consult local authorities or experts for final decision-making in flood-related situations and adhere to any evacuation orders or safety instructions provided by emergency services.