After a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit Eastern Russia on Tuesday afternoon, a tsunami advisory was issued for the entire West Coast.
This Wednesday morning, some waves reached SoCal (Marina del Rey), and a few minutes later, alerts were dropped in parts of SoCal, including L.A. and Ventura counties. A tsunami warning is still in effect for about a 40-mile stretch of Northern California’s coast, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, some areas in Oregon and Washington CNN reports.
The massive quake triggered tsunami waves across the Pacific in places like Japan and Hawaii (where the alert level has already been downgraded), while no major damage has been reported. The tsunami reached Northern California overnight and reached SoCal earlier today around 5 AM, ABC7 reports.
According to the LA Times, Humboldt and Del Norte counties experienced the highest waves, with heights reaching 2.5 feet in San Francisco and generally staying under 1 foot in SoCal. Wave measurements included 1.2 ft at Humboldt Bay, 0.8 ft at Point Reyes, 1.1 ft at Monterey, 1.3 ft at Port San Luis, 0.4 ft at Richmond, and 0.5 ft at Santa Monica.
What is a Tsunami advisory?
According to the National Weather Service, a Tsunami advisory is an official alert issued when a tsunami with the potential to cause strong currents or waves dangerous to people in or near the water is expected.
While it usually doesn’t signal widespread flooding or major damage, it warns people to stay out of the ocean, away from beaches, harbors, and waterways, and to follow safety instructions until the advisory is lifted.
What are the four tsunami alert levels?
Tsunami alerts in the U.S. and Canada are issued by official warning centers to keep the public and emergency managers informed after a potential tsunami-generating event. These alerts come in four levels, NWS details, each indicating a different level of risk and recommended action.
- Tsunami Warning: Take Action. A dangerous tsunami is expected or already happening. It can cause major flooding and strong currents. Evacuations are advised, move to higher ground or inland immediately.
- Tsunami Advisory: Take Action. A tsunami may produce strong currents or waves that are dangerous to people near the shore. Stay out of the water and away from beaches and harbors. Follow local officials’ instructions.
- Tsunami Watch: Be Prepared. A distant earthquake has occurred, and a tsunami is possible. Stay alert and ready to act if the situation changes.
- Tsunami Information Statement: Relax. An earthquake occurred, but there’s no tsunami threat, or the threat hasn’t been confirmed. Usually, no action is needed.
How to stay safe after a tsunami advisory?
Officials from the National Weather Service offered several safety tips for those in coastal areas under a tsunami alert. Boaters are encouraged to exit harbors and head to higher ground, while everyone else is advised to stay away from beaches, marinas, and harbors.
Official sources to stay informed
During times like this, it’s important not to panic and to stay informed in order to make the right decisions that protect our safety and that of the community. That’s why below we recommend official channels through which you can stay updated on the latest news regarding this Tsunami watch.