Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Close to a flood event and worth monitoring, but unlikely to cause flood damage.
WHEN
From 07:00 AM to 09:00 AM PST.
IMPACTS
Minor coastal flooding of low-lying areas and shorelines may occur. Inundation is unlikely to cause property damage.
Barometric Pressure:
The mean barometric pressure at high tide is 1023.18 hPa, which is significantly higher than pressures observed during severe historical flood events, such as the Category 5 event on 12/27/2022 (978.4 hPa). High pressure indicates stable atmospheric conditions, reducing the likelihood of severe weather-related flooding.
Tide Height:
The tide height at 08:00 AM is 20.629 feet, comparable to historical Category 4 events but lower than the 22.297 feet observed during the Category 5 event on 12/27/2022. While elevated, the tide height alone is insufficient to indicate a higher flood risk without accompanying low pressure.
Wind Speed and Direction:
Wind speed is 6 mph from the NNE (19 degrees). This is lower than wind speeds in higher-category events and not from the W/NW directions that can exacerbate flooding by pushing water toward the coast. The wind conditions reduce the potential for wind-driven coastal flooding.
NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood:
NOAA forecasts a high flood likelihood with an 11.2% chance and a distance to threshold of -0.53 meters. This is slightly higher than in previous Category 3 events but lower than some historical Category 4 events, indicating a moderate concern.
Conclusion:
Given the high barometric pressure, significant but not extreme tide height, modest wind speeds from a non-critical direction, and NOAA's flood likelihood, the flood potential for January 3, 2025, is categorized as Category 3.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Close to a flood event and worth monitoring, but unlikely to cause flood damage.
WHEN
From 07:30 AM to 09:30 AM PST.
IMPACTS
Minor coastal flooding of low-lying areas and shorelines may occur. Inundation is unlikely to cause property damage.
Barometric Pressure:
The mean barometric pressure at high tide is 1026.82 hPa, even higher than Day 1 and significantly above the pressures associated with historical severe flood events. This high pressure suggests very stable weather conditions.
Tide Height:
The tide height at 08:30 AM is 20.712 feet, similar to Day 1 and comparable to historical Category 4 events. It's below the levels observed during the Category 5 event on 12/27/2022.
Wind Speed and Direction:
Wind speeds are low, around 3-6 mph from the SE to SSE (138-161 degrees). These winds are not from the critical W/NW directions and are lower than those in historical higher-category events, reducing the risk of wind-enhanced flooding.
NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood:
NOAA forecasts a high flood likelihood with a 10.8% chance and a distance to threshold of -0.55 meters, slightly lower than Day 1. This consistent yet moderate likelihood supports careful monitoring.
Conclusion:
Considering the very high barometric pressure, significant tide height, low wind speeds from non-critical directions, and NOAA's forecast, the flood potential for January 4, 2025, is categorized as Category 3.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Close to a flood event and worth monitoring, but unlikely to cause flood damage.
WHEN
From 08:00 AM to 10:00 AM PST.
IMPACTS
Minor coastal flooding of low-lying areas and shorelines may occur. Inundation is unlikely to cause property damage.
Barometric Pressure:
The mean barometric pressure at high tide is 1027.02 hPa, the highest of the three days, indicating continued stable atmospheric conditions and low risk from severe weather.
Tide Height:
The tide height at 09:06 AM is approximately 20.740 feet, slightly higher than previous days but still below the 22.297 feet noted in the historical Category 5 event. While elevated, this tide height alone does not signify a high flood risk given the accompanying high pressure.
Wind Speed and Direction:
Wind speeds are slightly higher at 7 mph from the South (184 degrees). Although marginally increased, the wind direction is not from the W/NW and wind speeds remain lower than those in historical severe events, minimizing the potential for wind-driven flooding.
NOAA High Tide Flooding Likelihood:
NOAA forecasts a high flood likelihood with a 15.8% chance and a distance to threshold of -0.42 meters, higher than the previous two days. This indicates a marginally increased potential for minor flooding.
Conclusion:
Despite the slightly higher NOAA flood likelihood, the exceptionally high barometric pressure and moderate wind conditions suggest that severe flooding is unlikely. Therefore, the flood potential for January 5, 2025, is categorized as Category 3.
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.