Flood Watch

Redondo Beach, WA

Day 1: 2024-10-17

CATEGORY 3

WHAT
Minor coastal flooding possible due to higher-than-normal tides.

WHEN
From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM PST.

IMPACTS
Minor flooding of low-lying areas and coastal roads. Minimal impact expected.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

Barometric Pressure: The mean barometric pressure during the high tide at 4:00 PM is 1018.57 hPa. This is significantly higher than pressures observed during historical flood events, such as the Category 5 event on 12/27/2022, which had a pressure of 978.4 hPa. The high pressure suggests stable weather conditions, reducing the likelihood of severe flooding.

Tide Height: The tide height is forecasted to reach approximately 20.141 feet at 4:00 PM. This is higher than the tide height during the historical Category 3 event (17.460 feet) but lower than Category 4 events (over 21 feet). While the tide is elevated, it is not at levels associated with significant flooding.

Wind Direction and Speed: Winds are forecasted to be from the NNW to NW between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, with speeds ranging from 3 to 5 mph. This wind direction can contribute to coastal water push but, given the low wind speeds, is unlikely to have a substantial impact on flooding risk.

NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood: NOAA predicts a low flood likelihood for this date, with a 0.4% chance and a distance of -1.02 meters below the flood threshold. This indicates that tides are expected to remain well below levels that typically cause flooding.

Synthesis: Considering the high barometric pressure, moderate tide heights, low wind speeds, and NOAA's low flood likelihood, the conditions align with a Category 3 event. Minor coastal flooding is possible, but significant impacts are unlikely.


Day 2: 2024-10-18

CATEGORY 3

WHAT
Minor coastal flooding possible due to elevated tides.

WHEN
From 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM PST.

IMPACTS
Minor flooding of low-lying areas and coastal access points. Minimal impact expected.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

Barometric Pressure: The mean barometric pressure during the high tide at 4:36 PM is 1032.48 hPa, which is even higher than the previous day. This indicates very stable atmospheric conditions, further reducing the risk of severe weather-related flooding.

Tide Height: The tide height is forecasted to reach approximately 20.071 feet at 4:30 PM. This level is similar to Day 1 and remains below the heights recorded during historical Category 4 and 5 events.

Wind Direction and Speed: Winds are expected to be from the South to SSE with speeds of 7 to 8 mph during the highest tide period. Southern winds are less likely to contribute to coastal flooding in Redondo Beach compared to winds from the W/NW.

NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood: NOAA indicates a very low flood likelihood of 0.1% with a distance of -1.217 meters below the flood threshold. This suggests that flooding is unlikely based on tide levels alone.

Synthesis: The combination of very high barometric pressure, moderate tide heights, and low flood likelihood supports a Category 3 assessment. Minor flooding may occur in the most susceptible areas, but significant impacts are not anticipated.


Day 3: 2024-10-19

CATEGORY 2

WHAT
No flooding expected.

WHEN
N/A

IMPACTS
No flooding impacts anticipated.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

Barometric Pressure: The mean barometric pressure during the high tide at 6:18 AM is 1033.28 hPa, which is very high. Such pressure indicates stable weather conditions with minimal risk of severe weather events.

Tide Height: The tide height is forecasted to be approximately 19.828 feet at 6:18 AM, which is lower than the previous two days and well below historical flooding levels.

Wind Direction and Speed: Winds are forecasted to be from the South with speeds around 11 mph during the morning high tide. Southern winds are less likely to cause coastal flooding in this region.

NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood: NOAA reports a flood likelihood of 0.0% with a distance of -1.394 meters below the flood threshold, indicating no expected flooding.

Synthesis: Given the very high barometric pressure, lower tide heights, and lack of contributing wind conditions, Day 3 is categorized as Category 2. No flooding is expected, and there are no anticipated impacts.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.