Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 3
WHAT Minor coastal flooding possible due to higher-than-normal tide levels. Potential inundation of up to 1 foot above ground level near shorelines and low-lying areas.
WHEN From 08:00 AM to 10:00 AM PST.
IMPACTS Minor flooding of low-lying areas, parks, and roads adjacent to the shore. Isolated road closures and minor disruptions possible.
Barometric Pressure: The barometric pressure during the high tide at 09:00 AM is 1013.81 hPa. This is significantly higher than pressures observed during historical severe flood events (Category 4 and above), which had pressures at or below 1002 hPa. The higher pressure suggests stable atmospheric conditions, reducing the likelihood of severe flooding.
Tide Height: The expected tide height is 18.317 feet at 09:00 AM. This is higher than the previous Category 3 event on 12/27/2023, which had a tide height of 17.460 feet, but lower than the Category 4 events which exceeded 19 feet. While elevated, the tide height alone is insufficient to suggest a higher flood category without accompanying low barometric pressure.
Wind Conditions: Wind speed is predicted to be around 12 km/h (7 mph) coming from the south (181 degrees). This is relatively mild and less impactful compared to historical events where wind speeds exceeded 20 mph from directions that exacerbate flooding.
NOAA Flood Likelihood: NOAA's forecast indicates a low flood likelihood with a 0.0% chance and a significant distance to the flood threshold (-2.84m). This supports the assessment of a lower flood risk.
Comparison with Historical Events: The conditions for Day 1 are similar to the historical Category 3 event on 12/27/2023 but with slightly higher tide levels and higher barometric pressure. Given the high pressure and low wind speeds, the potential for significant flooding remains low.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT Minor coastal flooding possible with elevated tide levels. Potential inundation of up to 1 foot above ground level near shorelines and low-lying regions.
WHEN From 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM PST.
IMPACTS Minor flooding in low-lying coastal areas, including parks and local roads. Possible minor travel disruptions in affected areas.
Barometric Pressure: The barometric pressure during the high tide at 07:12 PM is 1008.99 hPa. While slightly lower than Day 1, it remains higher than the pressures associated with historical Category 4 events, suggesting moderate atmospheric conditions.
Tide Height: The tide height is expected to reach 17.154 feet at 07:12 PM, which is comparable to the historical Category 3 event but lower than higher category events. The tide height, combined with the moderate barometric pressure, indicates a continued low risk of severe flooding.
Wind Conditions: Wind speeds are forecasted to be minimal, averaging around 9 km/h (5 mph) from the south-southwest (184 degrees). This gentle wind is unlikely to contribute significantly to coastal flooding.
NOAA Flood Likelihood: NOAA indicates a low flood likelihood with 0.0% chance and a distance to the flood threshold of -3.02m. This suggests that flooding is unlikely based on their models.
Comparison with Historical Events: Day 2's conditions are within the parameters of previous Category 3 events, with both tide height and barometric pressure similar. The lack of additional contributing factors like high winds further supports this categorization.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT Minor coastal flooding possible due to elevated tides. Potential inundation near shorelines and low-lying areas up to 1 foot above ground level.
WHEN From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST.
IMPACTS Minor flooding of coastal parks and walkways. Isolated cases of water over low-lying roads possible.
Barometric Pressure: The barometric pressure at the time of high tide (11:30 AM) is expected to be 1006.66 hPa. This is approaching the lower thresholds seen in historical Category 3 events but remains above the critical level associated with more severe flooding.
Tide Height: The tide height is projected to reach 18.139 feet at 11:30 AM, similar to Day 1. While this is a significant tide height, it is still below the levels seen during historical Category 4 and 5 events.
Wind Conditions: Predicted wind speeds are around 13 km/h (8 mph) from the north (360 degrees). This wind direction typically does not contribute substantially to coastal flooding in Redondo Beach, WA.
NOAA Flood Likelihood: NOAA's analysis continues to indicate a low flood likelihood at 0.0%, with a distance to threshold of -3.06m, which does not raise immediate concerns.
Comparison with Historical Events: Although the barometric pressure is slightly lower on Day 3, it is still not within the range that historically indicates higher flood risk. The tide height remains consistent with Category 3 parameters, and no additional risk factors are present.
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. Stay informed through local news and heed any advice from local authorities or emergency services.