Tsunami warning issued for northern and central California and Oregon; Southern California on watch
A tsunami warning has been issued for the central and northern California coast and Oregon, the National Weather Service announced early Friday.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, an emergency warning system announcement for a tsunami warning was braodcast just after 1 a.m. Waves could begin arriving in Crescent City, Calif., at 7:23 a.m. and the Bay Area shortly after 8 a.m.
A lower-level tsunami advisory was issued for the Southern California coast south of Point Concepcion, which includes southern San Luis Obispo County and the counties of Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego.
GET UPDATES: West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
According to the weather service, those living in tsunami warning areas 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.”
A tsunami advisory means a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to anyone in or very near the water is expected, but widespread inundation is not expected.
Still, currents may be hazardous to swimmers and boats, the weather service said.
The waves were expected to hit Santa Barbara at 8:17 a.m. and Santa Monica and San Pedro harbors at 8:32 a.m.
FULL LIST: When waves are expected to hit California coast
Authorities said they will update current conditions hourly in areas under an advisory until the warning is either upgraded or they determine the event poses no further threat.
According to the weather service “the potential exists for a tsunami 3 feet or less in Southern and Central California."
Tsunamis less than 3 feet would cause damage only at the local harbors, caused by strong currents entering and exiting for several hours.
RELATED:
Tsunami warning includes Hawaii
Magnitude 8.9 earthquake rocks Japan
PHOTOS: Scenes from the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and its aftermath
-- Rong-Gong Lin II
Image shows expected travel times of tsunami. Source: National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration
EDITOR'S PICKS:
Get your boards out
Posted by: Mekon | March 11, 2011 at 02:00 AM
it is 2 am and i am still awake listen the news about Japan Earthquake.
Posted by: Sofia | March 11, 2011 at 02:06 AM
IF I LIVE IN FRESNO WILL THE TSUNAMI HIT HERE
Posted by: CONCERND | March 11, 2011 at 02:07 AM
i am scared
Posted by: luis benitez | March 11, 2011 at 02:14 AM
God help us, we're not match for nature.
Posted by: Rena | March 11, 2011 at 02:33 AM
would this be life threatening?
Posted by: Jnieto | March 11, 2011 at 02:50 AM
More information from the associated press and Wall Street Journal available here:
http://globalgoodgroup.com/blog/major-8.9-quake-and-tsunami-rock-tokyo-japan/
Also read the article for information and links with information for San Francisco / Northern California Residents about the tsunami arriving at 8:08 am off the california coast. Be careful!
Posted by: Global Good Group | Josh Bois | March 11, 2011 at 02:50 AM
ruuuuunnnn!!!!!!!! lol
Posted by: AniMaL | March 11, 2011 at 02:53 AM
I am worried particularly about Ventura County-- the Oxnard Plain. It is only two feet above sea level....!!! The lowest point of land between Baja California and the Gulf of Alaska. Even a moderate rise in sea level - 3 or 4 feet - could be devastating... Look out for Pacific Coast Highway, as well....
Posted by: michael g | March 11, 2011 at 02:53 AM
wow gods saids this is going to happen
Posted by: aquila | March 11, 2011 at 03:04 AM
We get 6 foot waves all the time in Long Beach, CA. 3 feet no big deal, and it will hit at low tide at 830am. we should be fine. if it was at hi tide, i would worry.
Posted by: mc | March 11, 2011 at 03:14 AM
Goss ave Santa Cruz California are we in tsunami area
Posted by: scott vowell | March 11, 2011 at 03:23 AM
How about in baja california north, is right of the border with CA? will it reach here anybody? what are the chances in san diego CA ?
Posted by: jacky | March 11, 2011 at 03:24 AM
This could flood the whole central valley!!!!
Posted by: Paranoid Joe | March 11, 2011 at 03:26 AM
is the monterey bay area gonna be affected?
we have a tsunami warning but we have no further information here.
Posted by: gabby | March 11, 2011 at 03:49 AM
If we live in La mesa, San Diego would we be affected? who would we call to find more info with regards to evacuating?
Posted by: shanaya | March 11, 2011 at 03:51 AM
It only going to be 2 feet tall in san fran were all safe.
Posted by: Liz G | March 11, 2011 at 04:19 AM
This is so scarey!!!!! I feel bad for the people in Japan & in Hawaii....i hope their ok! But i hope that the disaster wont hit LA....if it does i hope its not as hard as it hit Japan & Hawaii!
Posted by: alondra c. | March 11, 2011 at 04:23 AM
If your in Fersno it wont hit there. your too far from the coast
Posted by: Christina | March 11, 2011 at 04:26 AM
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people in Japan. I continue to pray for the entire pacific coast, in that the tsunami that may hit, will not devastate us or take lives, like it has in Japan. To my husband that is in California: I love you so much~~please be safe.
Posted by: renee | March 11, 2011 at 04:26 AM
Ok, California, it's time we remember our fellow Americans in Hawaii. I'm on CA's Central Coast and I ask other Judeo Christians to join me and my family in serious prayer for Hawaiians to have protection as we wait to see what happens regarding this tsunami warning.
Let's also remember those suffering in Japan and China, too. We're all God's children. Let's lift them up and petition for all their needs!
Organize donataions through your churches. Together we can help!
Posted by: WWJD? | March 11, 2011 at 04:39 AM
Hope Crescent City and Brookings, Oregon will be OK!
Posted by: Tahlee | March 11, 2011 at 04:39 AM
Are they going to shut down the L.A airport ?
Posted by: Leena Al Ali | March 11, 2011 at 04:58 AM
I live in Oakland, near the Oakland International Airport. I just took a friend to the airport, the flights are up and running, does that mean we are okay?
Posted by: Melina | March 11, 2011 at 05:19 AM
wow i think its true the end is near if we get this horrrid stuff now whats it gonna be like in 2012.
Posted by: hannah | March 11, 2011 at 05:22 AM