Community Corner

Tsunami Advisory Issued for Coastal California After 8.9 Magnitude Japan Earthquake

The advisory comes after a 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan.

A tsunami advisory has been issued for coastal areas of Southern California after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan at 9:46 p.m. PST Thursday, according to the National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.

The tsunami advisory is in effect for California from the California-Mexico border to Point Concepcion, CA.

A more serious tsunami watch had been issued for San Diego before the alert level was downgraded to "advisory." An advisory means that people in or near water may be in danger due to strong currents, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Find out what's happening in Powaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The NWS estimated the tsunami's California arrival time at 8:41 a.m. Friday in La Jolla, 8:32 a.m. in San Pedro and 8:17 a.m. in Santa Barbara. For more estimated arrival times, click here and look for the "ETA" link under the map.

A tsunami warning has been issued for coastal areas of California and Oregon from Point Concepcion, CA to the Oregon-Washington border. A tsunami watch has been issued for the coastal areas of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-Washington border to Amchitka Pass, AK.

Find out what's happening in Powaywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Information Center is issuing all warnings for California.

Check back for updates. Earthquake magnitude information may change as officials issue new information.

Tsunami Alert Level Definition* Warning A Tsunami Warning means that all coastal residents in the warning area who are near the beach or in low-lying regions should move immediately inland to higher ground and away from all harbors and inlets including those sheltered directly from the sea. Those feeling the earth shake, seeing unusual wave action, or the water level rising or receding may have only a few minutes before the tsunami arrival and should move immediately. Homes and small buildings are not designed to withstand tsunami impacts. Do not stay in these structures. Watch A Tsunami Watch means all coastal residents in the watch area should prepare for possible evacuation. A tsunami watch is issued to areas which will not be immediately impacted by the tsunami. Watch areas will either be upgraded to warning or advisory status, or canceled. Advisory A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

* Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


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