Community Corner

UPDATE: Local Tsunami Watch Yields Few Waves in Santa Monica

The 8.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan created a tsunami watch along the entire West Coast.

(Updated at 3:41 p.m.): The tsunami warning that was previously in effect outside of Los Angeles County has been downgraded to a tsunami advisory, according to NOAA. The warning pertained to the coastal areas of California and Oregon from Point Concepcion in central California to the Oregon-Washington border.

The advisory for Santa Monica and other Los Angeles County coastal communities is still in place, as is the advisory for the coastal areas of Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-Washington border to Attu.

 

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A wave of a little more than two feet hit the Los Angeles coast Friday morning caused by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake that shook the northeastern coast of Japan Thursday night.

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Beaches were closed, but the actual waves seemed minimal and police are still patrolling the local coastline, according to Santa Monica Patch.

The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami watch. 

A 4.6 earthquake hit Hawaii just before a six-foot wave hit the islands at about 3 a.m. Most residents moved out of buildings near the coast and went to higher grounds.

The National Weather Service predicted a wave at about 8:30 a.m. could threaten Santa Monica beaches. Officials have closed all local beaches and encourage people to stay away.

Although Santa Monica Beach and the Santa Monica Pier were closed, Venice Beach remained open, and a surfer was spotted in the water around 7:15 a.m. according to the

The impact of the expected surge could last up to 12 hours, Los Angeles County Fire Capt. Sam Padilla told City News Service. He said no evacuations are expected along the coastline.

"We're not anticipating too many issues," said Battalion Commander Dean Ulrich of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Ulrich said the county's Department Operational Center was on alert, but "they aren't looking at any evacuations."

This is the seventh largest earthquake recorded in world history.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: "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."

A 1.12-foot low tide at 8:05 helped minimize the tsunami surge locally. 

Officials warn residents in low-lying coastal areas to pay attention in case instructions come from local emergency agencies, and to check periodically for more information on the situation.  Click here to for the NWS page.

Trent Kelly, public affairs officer for the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, said the waves are unpredictable.

"Every wave is different," Kelly said. "These are truly tidal waves. The waves are under the surface of the water, and as the wave rides up, you start to see more of a build. Depending on the force and magnitude ... you could get something that could carry." Even waves of a few feet have been known to travel inland.

The San Fernando Valley is safe, and isn't under any evacuation suggestions. However, your friends living along the beaches in Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu may be knocking on your door this morning coming over for coffee.


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