Flood Watch

Redondo Beach, WA

DayInfo1: Day 1: December 18, 2024

CATEGORY 4

WHAT: Minor coastal flooding expected. Possible inundation of up to 1 foot above ground level near shorelines and low-lying areas.

WHEN: From early morning to late evening on December 18, 2024.

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

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

Step 1: Assess Barometric Pressure - The barometric pressure is 1034.51 hPa at the time of the high tide (17:54), which is significantly higher than pressures observed during past severe flood events (e.g., 1016.1 hPa during the historical Category 4 event on 12/18/2024). - High barometric pressure suggests stable atmospheric conditions, reducing the likelihood of severe weather-related flooding.

Step 2: Evaluate Tide Height - The tide is expected to reach 20.586 Ft at 07:54, matching the historical tide height of the Category 4 event. - High tides over 16 Ft increase the risk of coastal flooding, especially if combined with low barometric pressure.

Step 3: Consider Wind Direction and Speed - Wind speeds are moderate, ranging from 5 to 21 km/h (3 to 13 mph). - Wind directions are predominantly from the SSW to SSE (152° to 209°). - These wind conditions are less extreme than those during past Category 4 events, which had higher wind speeds and directions that contributed more significantly to flooding.

Step 4: Integrate NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood - NOAA forecasts a High Flood Likelihood with a 10.0% chance on December 18. - This likelihood is equivalent to the historical Category 4 event, indicating a similar risk level for minor flooding.

Step 5: Synthesize Information and Forecast Flood Category - Despite the high barometric pressure mitigating some flood risk, the combination of a significant tide height and NOAA's high flood likelihood suggests that flooding is likely but will not cause major property damage. - Therefore, the flood category for December 18, 2024, is assessed as Category 4.


DayInfo2: Day 2: December 19, 2024

CATEGORY 3

WHAT: Tide levels approaching flood thresholds. Monitoring advised, but significant flood damage is unlikely.

WHEN: Around the morning high tide at 08:36 on December 19, 2024.

IMPACTS: Minimal flooding of very low-lying areas is possible. No major disruptions expected.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

Step 1: Assess Barometric Pressure - The barometric pressure is 1028.68 hPa at the time of the morning high tide. - This pressure is higher than during historical flood events, indicating stable conditions and a lower risk of severe flooding.

Step 2: Evaluate Tide Height - Tide heights are slightly lower than on Day 1, not reaching the levels observed in historical Category 4 events. - The maximum tide does not surpass critical thresholds that have led to past flooding.

Step 3: Consider Wind Direction and Speed - Wind speeds are light to moderate, with speeds between 3 to 10 km/h (2 to 6 mph). - Wind directions vary but generally do not align with those that have exacerbated flooding in the past.

Step 4: Integrate NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood - NOAA forecasts a Low Flood Likelihood with a 3.5% chance on December 19. - This lower likelihood further reduces concerns for significant flooding.

Step 5: Synthesize Information and Forecast Flood Category - Given the high barometric pressure, moderate tide heights, and low NOAA flood likelihood, the conditions warrant increased awareness but are unlikely to cause flood damage. - Therefore, the flood category for December 19, 2024, is assessed as Category 3.


DayInfo3: Day 3: December 20, 2024

CATEGORY 2

WHAT: No significant flooding expected. Conditions are within normal ranges.

WHEN: Throughout the day on December 20, 2024.

IMPACTS: No flooding impacts anticipated.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

Step 1: Assess Barometric Pressure - The barometric pressure remains high at 1026.83 hPa during the high tide at 09:12. - Stable atmospheric conditions further reduce any flood risk.

Step 2: Evaluate Tide Height - Tide heights are decreasing compared to previous days and do not approach levels associated with historical flooding events. - Maximum tides are well below critical thresholds.

Step 3: Consider Wind Direction and Speed - Wind speeds are minimal, ranging from 1 to 9 km/h (1 to 5 mph). - Wind directions are variable but not from directions known to increase flood risk.

Step 4: Integrate NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood - NOAA forecasts a Low Flood Likelihood with a 1.4% chance on December 20. - This very low likelihood indicates that flooding is not expected.

Step 5: Synthesize Information and Forecast Flood Category - Considering all factors—high barometric pressure, lower tide heights, minimal wind influence, and low NOAA flood likelihood—the conditions do not pose a flood threat. - Therefore, the flood category for December 20, 2024, is assessed as Category 2.


PA: 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.