Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Close to a flood event and worth monitoring. Minor coastal flooding possible near shorelines and low-lying areas.
WHEN
From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM PST.
IMPACTS
Minor flooding of low-lying areas, parks, and roads. Isolated road closures possible.
Step 1: Assess Barometric Pressure
The barometric pressure during the high tide at 7:54 AM is 1012.01 hPa. This is significantly higher than pressures observed in historical severe flood events (which were below 1006 hPa). The high pressure indicates less severe weather conditions, reducing the likelihood of significant flooding.
Step 2: Evaluate Tide Height
The tide height at peak high tide is approximately 20.084 feet. This is higher than the historical Category 3 event (17.460 feet) but lower than the Category 4 and 5 events (over 21 feet). The tide height suggests a moderate risk of minor coastal flooding.
Step 3: Consider Wind Direction and Speed
Wind speeds are low, around 2-4 mph, with a wind direction from the North (8 degrees) shifting to Northeast (28 degrees) during the morning hours. These wind conditions are not significant contributors to increased flood risk in this region.
Step 4: Integrate NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood
NOAA's flood likelihood for 2024-12-04 is categorized as Low, with a likelihood percent of 1.3% and a distance to the flood threshold of -1.08 meters. This indicates a low probability of significant flooding based on NOAA's analysis.
Step 5: Synthesize Information and Forecast Flood Category
Considering the high barometric pressure, moderate tide height, low wind speeds, and NOAA's low flood likelihood, the flood potential is categorized as Category 3. This means it is close to a flood event and worth monitoring but unlikely to cause flood damage.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Close to a flood event and worth monitoring. Minor coastal flooding possible near shorelines and low-lying areas.
WHEN
From 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PST.
IMPACTS
Minor flooding of low-lying areas, parks, and roads. Isolated road closures possible.
Step 1: Assess Barometric Pressure
The barometric pressure during the high tide at 8:36 AM is 1013.16 hPa. This remains significantly higher than pressures associated with historical severe flood events. The stable high pressure suggests minimal atmospheric contribution to flood risk.
Step 2: Evaluate Tide Height
The tide height at peak high tide is approximately 20.063 feet. Similar to Day 1, it is higher than the historical Category 3 event but below the levels seen in higher-category flood events. This maintains a moderate risk level for minor flooding.
Step 3: Consider Wind Direction and Speed
Wind speeds are low, around 3-6 mph, with wind direction predominantly from the South (157 degrees) and Southeast. These wind conditions are not expected to significantly influence tidal flooding.
Step 4: Integrate NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood
NOAA's flood likelihood for 2024-12-05 is Low, with a likelihood percent of 1.0% and a distance to the flood threshold of -1.15 meters. This suggests a low probability of significant flooding based on NOAA's projections.
Step 5: Synthesize Information and Forecast Flood Category
Given the consistent high barometric pressure, moderate tide height, low wind speeds, and NOAA's low flood likelihood, the flood potential remains at Category 3. Monitoring is advisable, but significant flood damage is unlikely.
CATEGORY 2
WHAT
No risk of flooding expected.
WHEN
No specific flood risk time frame.
IMPACTS
No flooding impacts anticipated.
Step 1: Assess Barometric Pressure
The barometric pressure during the high tide at 9:18 AM is exceptionally high at 1024.56 hPa. This pressure is well above the levels associated with any historical flood events, indicating very stable and non-threatening atmospheric conditions.
Step 2: Evaluate Tide Height
The tide height at peak high tide is approximately 20.055 feet. Although the tide height is similar to the previous days, the significantly higher barometric pressure reduces the overall flood risk.
Step 3: Consider Wind Direction and Speed
Wind speeds are modest, ranging from 4-8 mph, with wind direction primarily from the South (173 degrees). These wind conditions pose minimal risk for exacerbating tidal flooding.
Step 4: Integrate NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood
NOAA's flood likelihood for 2024-12-06 is Low, with a likelihood percent of 1.0% and a distance to the flood threshold of -1.15 meters. This confirms a minimal risk of flooding.
Step 5: Synthesize Information and Forecast Flood Category
Considering the very high barometric pressure, moderate tide height, low wind speeds, and NOAA's low flood likelihood, the flood potential is categorized as Category 2. This indicates no substantial risk of flooding under these conditions.
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.