Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Conditions are close to a flood event due to higher-than-usual tide levels. Minor coastal flooding is not expected but monitoring is advised.
WHEN
From 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM PST.
IMPACTS
Minimal impact on low-lying coastal areas. No significant property damage is anticipated.
Step 1: Assess Barometric Pressure
The barometric pressure at the time of the high tide is 1008.04 hPa. This is higher than the pressure recorded during the historical Category 3 event on 12/27/2023 (1006.1 hPa) and significantly higher than Category 4 and 5 events. Higher pressure suggests less severe weather conditions.
Step 2: Evaluate Tide Height
The tide height is approximately 19.021 feet at 2:06 PM. This is higher than the historical Category 3 event (17.460 feet) but slightly lower than the Category 4 event on 01/07/2022 (19.255 feet). The elevated tide height warrants attention but is not alone sufficient to indicate significant flood risk.
Step 3: Consider Wind Direction and Speed
Wind speeds are low, around 3 mph from the southwest (200-220 degrees). This is considerably less than wind speeds observed during Category 4 events, where winds exceeded 20 mph, indicating a lower risk of wind-driven flooding.
Step 4: Integrate NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood
NOAA's forecast shows a low flood likelihood of 0.0%, with a distance to the flood threshold of -2.14 meters. This suggests that flooding is not expected based on NOAA's analysis.
Step 5: Synthesize Information and Forecast Flood Category
Considering the moderate barometric pressure, elevated tide height, low wind speeds, and NOAA's low flood likelihood, the conditions align with a Category 3 event. While the situation is close to a flood event due to high tides, significant flooding is unlikely, but monitoring is recommended.
CATEGORY 2
WHAT
No risk of flooding is anticipated. Normal coastal conditions are expected.
WHEN
High tides occur at 1:18 AM and 2:36 PM PST.
IMPACTS
No impacts expected. Coastal areas remain safe.
Step 1: Assess Barometric Pressure
At the time of the afternoon high tide, the barometric pressure is 1014.89 hPa, which is significantly higher than during any historical flooding events. This high pressure suggests stable weather conditions.
Step 2: Evaluate Tide Height
The tide height reaches approximately 19.384 feet at 2:42 PM, slightly higher than Day 1. However, without low barometric pressure, the risk remains low.
Step 3: Consider Wind Direction and Speed
Wind speeds are moderate, ranging from 4 to 14 km/h (2 to 9 mph) from the south-southwest (162-211 degrees). These conditions are typical and not conducive to flooding.
Step 4: Integrate NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood
NOAA's forecast indicates a low flood likelihood of 0.0%, with a distance to the flood threshold of -1.86 meters.
Step 5: Synthesize Information and Forecast Flood Category
With high barometric pressure, moderate tide heights, normal wind conditions, and NOAA's low flood likelihood, the conditions correspond to a Category 2. No flooding is expected.
CATEGORY 2
WHAT
No risk of flooding is anticipated. Standard coastal conditions are expected.
WHEN
High tides occur at 2:24 AM and 3:00 PM PST.
IMPACTS
No impacts expected. Coastal areas remain safe and accessible.
Step 1: Assess Barometric Pressure
The barometric pressure at the time of the afternoon high tide is 1022.40 hPa, which is very high compared to historical flood events. This indicates very stable and calm weather conditions.
Step 2: Evaluate Tide Height
The tide height peaks at approximately 19.728 feet at 3:00 PM, slightly higher than the previous two days but still below levels associated with flooding during low-pressure systems.
Step 3: Consider Wind Direction and Speed
Wind speeds are low, around 2 to 4 km/h (1 to 2 mph), with variable directions. Such low wind speeds have negligible impact on tidal conditions.
Step 4: Integrate NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood
NOAA's forecast continues to show a low flood likelihood of 0.0%, with a distance to the flood threshold of -1.43 meters.
Step 5: Synthesize Information and Forecast Flood Category
Given the very high barometric pressure, moderate tide heights, minimal wind speeds, and NOAA's low flood likelihood, the conditions align with a Category 2. Flooding is not expected.
You should monitor later forecasts and stay alert for any updates. Those living in areas prone to flooding should remain prepared to take action should conditions change.