Introduction to the Tsunami Advisory
The coast of California is under a tsunami advisory after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck the east coast of Russia, the National Weather Service announced Tuesday.
A tsunami advisory is now in effect from the California-Mexico border to Chignik Bay, Alaska, NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said. More northern parts of Alaska are under an advisory and warning.
Earthquake Details
The advisory for California’s coast, which was elevated from NWS’ initial watch, comes after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake rattled Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia at 4:24 p.m. PST, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It hit at a depth of 12 miles and several aftershocks have occurred near the origin of the temblor.
Tsunami Warning System
Have you ever wondered how our phones can alert us of a tsunami before it happens? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has complex infrastructure dedicated to this warning system.
Affected Areas
NWS warned that the coastlines of all of Hawaii’s islands could see damage due to the anticipated tsunami. The first waves are expected to occur at 7 p.m. local time.
“Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property,” NWS’ warning stated.
Parts of Northern California, from Cape Mendocino and north, were under a tsunami warning, NWS announced around 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Local Impact and Preparations
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones said that locally, waves from the tsunami may not reach the coast until the overnight hours, if that.
"If there were waves coming here, they’d be arriving about 1 in the morning our time," she said.
"The good news in California is that we mostly have cliffs and if we were to have a 1-foot tsunami or even a 3-foot tsunami, you don’t have to go very far away from the beach until you’re about three feet above sea level," she added. "Therefore, our areas of risk are very small."
LA Mayor Karen Bass said she’s aware of the advisory and is in touch with the Port of Los Angeles and coastal leaders about preparations for the overnight hours. President Donald Trump also said he’s aware of the weather alerts. He added he wants everyone to "stay strong and stay safe."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the tsunami advisory issued for the California coast after the 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia serves as a critical reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. The affected communities are taking necessary precautions, and residents are advised to stay informed and follow the instructions of local authorities.
FAQs
What is a tsunami advisory?
A tsunami advisory is a notice issued by the National Weather Service when a tsunami is possible but not imminent.
What should I do during a tsunami advisory?
During a tsunami advisory, you should stay away from the coast, avoid traveling to coastal areas, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
How can I stay informed about tsunami advisories?
You can stay informed about tsunami advisories by signing up for emergency alerts from your local government, monitoring local news and weather reports, and following the National Weather Service on social media.
What is the difference between a tsunami watch and a tsunami warning?
A tsunami watch is issued when a tsunami is possible but not imminent, while a tsunami warning is issued when a tsunami is imminent or already occurring.
How can I prepare for a tsunami?
You can prepare for a tsunami by creating a emergency plan, building a disaster supply kit, and staying informed about tsunami risks and warnings in your area.
