Redondo Beach, WA
CATEGORY 3
WHAT
A higher-than-usual morning tide coinciding with a moderately low barometric pressure (around 996 hPa) brings conditions close to a flood event. While significant coastal flooding is not expected, it is worth monitoring the early morning high tide.
WHEN
Peak concern around the high tide at approximately 03:12 AM PDT on March 26.
IMPACTS
Minor splash-over or brief ponding in very low-lying waterfront areas is possible. No notable property damage is anticipated, but residents should remain alert, especially along immediate shorelines.
• The morning tide near 18.9 ft is somewhat higher than the tide (17.46 ft) observed in a previous Category 3 event on 12/27/2023, though NOAA currently indicates 0% flood likelihood.
• Barometric pressure of ~996 hPa is lower than normal but remains above the 992.8 hPa benchmark from more severe historical events.
• Winds are expected to be modest and not from a particularly flood-enhancing direction, further lessening the risk of significant inundation.
CATEGORY 2
WHAT
A pair of middling high tides (around 03:36 AM PDT and 03:00 PM PDT), but with steadily higher barometric pressure (1013–1018 hPa). NOAA forecasts a 0% flood likelihood.
WHEN
Highest tides at roughly 03:36 AM PDT and 03:00 PM PDT on March 27.
IMPACTS
No coastal flooding concerns are anticipated. Normal tidal variations should not pose a hazard to property or roadways.
• Although the tidal height could reach about 19.3 ft in the early morning, the higher pressure compared to Day 1 reduces the likelihood of any flooding.
• Historical Category 3 or 4 events have typically combined very high tides with notably lower barometric pressures; that is not the case on March 27.
CATEGORY 2
WHAT
Another set of elevated tides (about 04:00 AM PDT and 04:00 PM PDT) but with moderate barometric pressure around 1014–1015 hPa. NOAA again forecasts a 0% flood likelihood.
WHEN
Peak tides near 04:00 AM PDT and 04:00 PM PDT on March 28.
IMPACTS
No significant flooding is expected. Low-lying spots may see routine tidal effects, but no impacts beyond common high-tide conditions are anticipated.
• Despite the tide cresting near 19.6 ft, pressures remain relatively stable, and winds are not forecasted to align from a problematic direction.
• Compared to more serious historical floods, the combination of factors (tide height, pressure, wind) remains below thresholds typically seen in Category 4 or 5 events.
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.