Flood Watch

Redondo Beach, WA

Day 1: December 18, 2024

CATEGORY 3

WHAT: Minor coastal flooding possible. Inundation of up to 0.5 feet above ground level near shorelines and low-lying areas.

WHEN: From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM PST and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM PST.

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

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

• Barometric Pressure: The pressure is high at 1034.42 hPa during the high tide at 5:54 PM, which is significantly higher than pressures associated with past severe flood events (Category 4 and 5) that had pressures below 1002 hPa. This suggests less severe weather conditions.
• Tide Heights: The maximum tide height is expected to reach 20.586 ft at 8:00 AM, which is higher than the Category 3 historical event (17.460 ft) but lower than Category 4 and 5 events. This indicates a noteworthy tide but without the accompanying low pressure to elevate the risk further.
• Wind Conditions: Wind speeds are moderate at around 16 mph from the south (184°). This is lower than the higher wind speeds observed in historical Category 4 events, indicating a lesser impact.
• NOAA Flood Likelihood: NOAA forecasts a high flood likelihood with a 10.0% chance and a distance to threshold of -0.57 m. This suggests monitoring is necessary, but given the higher barometric pressure, the overall risk is moderated.
• Comparison with Historical Events: While the tide height is significant, the high barometric pressure reduces the overall risk compared to historical Category 4 and 5 events, which had both high tides and low pressure.

Day 2: December 19, 2024

CATEGORY 2

WHAT: No significant coastal flooding expected.

WHEN: —

IMPACTS: No flooding impacts anticipated.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

• Barometric Pressure: Pressure remains high at 1028.59 hPa during the morning high tide at 8:36 AM and 1029.43 hPa during the evening high tide at 6:48 PM. This is well above the critical low-pressure threshold associated with increased flood risk.
• Tide Heights: Tide heights are lower than the previous day, not exceeding 20.205 ft. This is below the tide heights associated with past flood events.
• Wind Conditions: Winds are light, averaging 5 mph with variable directions. Such conditions are not conducive to exacerbating flood risks.
• NOAA Flood Likelihood: NOAA forecasts a low flood likelihood with a 3.5% chance and a distance to threshold of -0.87 m, indicating minimal concern.
• Comparison with Historical Events: Conditions are less severe compared to any historical events that resulted in flooding, supporting the Category 2 classification for minimal risk.

Day 3: December 20, 2024

CATEGORY 2

WHAT: No significant coastal flooding expected.

WHEN: —

IMPACTS: No flooding impacts anticipated.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

• Barometric Pressure: Barometric pressure is high at 1027.20 hPa during the morning high tide at 9:12 AM. This remains above the critical low-pressure levels linked to flooding.
• Tide Heights: Maximum tide heights are decreasing, not exceeding 20.205 ft, which is below levels that have historically caused flooding.
• Wind Conditions: Winds are light to moderate, around 7 mph from the southeast (128°), not significant enough to contribute to flooding.
• NOAA Flood Likelihood: NOAA forecasts a low flood likelihood with a 1.4% chance and a distance to threshold of -1.07 m, indicating negligible concern.
• Comparison with Historical Events: All factors suggest conditions are stable and not comparable to past flood events, justifying the Category 2 rating.

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.