Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 2
WHAT
Current models show a high tide approaching 20.5 ft, but with very high barometric pressure (over 1030 hPa). Historically, higher tides paired with significantly lower pressures have driven past flooding events. In this case, the elevated pressure helps to counteract the elevated tide height.
WHEN
The highest tide on 2025-01-31 is expected in the early morning hours (~06:30–07:00 PST) and again in the late afternoon (~17:30 PST), but neither is anticipated to produce coastal flooding.
IMPACTS
Because of the strong high-pressure system, no significant or widespread coastal flooding impacts are expected. Shorelines remain stable with limited splash-over possible in exceedingly low-lying spots, but no damage or closures are anticipated.
• Very high barometric pressure reading (above 1030 hPa) substantially lowers the flood potential, even with a large predicted tide height.
• Winds from the south (approximately 15–25 mph) will not strongly force water into Puget Sound’s interior shorelines the way a west or northwest wind might.
• NOAA has not indicated any elevated flood likelihood for this date, consistent with the expectation of minimal coastal flood risk.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Tides reaching around or just above 20 ft coincide with moderate-high NOAA flood likelihood (7.4%). However, barometric pressure remains relatively high (above 1025 hPa), helping to contain the severity. Minor coastal flooding may be possible in sensitive low-lying areas.
WHEN
Greatest risk about mid-morning (~07:00–07:30 PST) and again early in the evening (~18:00–19:00 PST) near high-tide peaks.
IMPACTS
• Close to a flood event and worth monitoring.
• Minor flooding of very low-lying roads, parking lots, and park areas is possible near the waterfront during peak tides.
• Likely no major structural or property damage.
• Pressure above 1025 hPa is higher than in past severe events (which often involved pressures below 1005 hPa).
• Comparisons to historical Category 3 events (e.g., 01/06/2025) show similar tide heights but slightly higher pressure this time, suggesting that any flooding should remain minor.
• NOAA’s 7.4% flood likelihood signals the need to watch for brief high water sloshing in the tidal zone but does not indicate a major hazard.
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
Tides again forecast near or just above 20 ft, accompanied by a NOAA high flood likelihood around 9.6%. Despite this higher flood percentage, the barometric pressure remains above 1025 hPa, tempering overall flood severity.
WHEN
Potential minor flooding during the early morning (~07:30–08:00 PST) and evening (~19:30–20:00 PST) high tides.
IMPACTS
• Worth continued monitoring, although widespread flood damage is not expected.
• Minor flooding in poorly drained and low-lying spots near the shoreline may occur for short durations around peak tides.
• This scenario is comparable to other moderate-tide, moderate-pressure events historically classified as Category 3.
• Winds remain southerly and relatively moderate; a strong onshore flow from the west or northwest (historically linked to more severe flooding) is not expected.
• NOAA’s slightly higher 9.6% likelihood signals more caution than Day 2, though with the continued elevated pressure, impacts should remain moderate.
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.
Categories 1-2: No risk of flooding.
Category 3: Close to a flood event and worth monitoring.
Category 4: Flooding is likely however, it is uncertain if this will cause major property damage.
Category 5: Likely to flood and cause property damage.
Categories 6-7: Extremely high risk of flooding and property damage.