Officials have raised the tsunami alert level for California’s North Coast, particularly in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Crescent City, a well-known tsunami hotspot, is expected to face significant risks.
A tsunami warning is the highest alert from the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center, indicating that residents should leave the coast immediately. A warning is also active in Hawaii, where people are evacuating inland, as well as in Guam and parts of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.
Other areas along California’s coast are under a tsunami advisory, signaling strong currents and dangerous waves. Residents are advised to stay off beaches. If a tsunami occurs, it is expected to reach the North Coast around 11:50 p.m. and arrive in Los Angeles by 1 a.m. The predicted impact in Los Angeles is minor, with waves likely under a foot.
Crescent City could see waves of up to 4.8 feet, with the tsunami possibly lasting up to 30 hours. Notably, this area experienced devastating damage from a tsunami in 2011, triggered by a powerful earthquake off Japan’s coast. In Port San Luis, a tsunami of 2 to 3.7 feet is possible, while other parts of California may experience smaller waves.
This alert was prompted by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, which caused serious damage in Siberia and Japan, leading to evacuations in both regions. Reports indicate that waves up to 13 feet have already affected the Kamchatka area. Japan has issued warnings of similar waves.
Amid these unfolding events, local reactions are intense. In Hawaii, many residents are seen rushing to prepare for the tsunami, with people stocking supplies at local stores.
Historically, tsunamis can be deceptive. For instance, during the 1964 Crescent City tsunami, smaller waves lulled people into a false sense of security before a massive wave caused catastrophic damage. Officials caution that even small waves can be dangerous. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult down, while two feet can sweep away vehicles.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass is coordinating efforts in response to the warning and urges residents to sign up for updates on emergency alerts. In San Francisco, officials are assessing whether shoreline evacuations are necessary.
Given these developments, staying informed and prepared is crucial as the situation evolves. For more detailed tsunami risk information, you can visit the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center.
