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⚠️ Quake Triggers U.S. Tsunami Alerts
A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula Tuesday evening, placing the entire U.S. West Coast - from Southern California to Alaska - on heightened tsunami alert.
The National Weather Service first issued a tsunami watch around 4:30 p.m. PT, then upgraded much of California to a tsunami advisory, and parts of Northern California to a full tsunami warning by 8:30 p.m.
Authorities warn that while the tsunami may not be catastrophic, the potential for dangerous currents and coastal flooding remains serious - especially from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border.
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🌊 What's Expected
Tsunami waves are expected to start reaching California's coast by 1:00 a.m. Wednesday, with continued activity through 10:00 a.m. Waves in Southern California are projected to be 1–2 feet, but emergency officials stress that even small waves can cause harm.
Governor Gavin Newsom has activated the California Office of Emergency Services, and coastal residents are urged to stay off beaches, evacuate marinas and harbors, and remain on high ground until the advisory is lifted.
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📋 Tsunami Alert Levels Explained
The National Weather Service uses a four-level alert system
Information Statement - No threat
Tsunami Watch - Possible tsunami
Tsunami Advisory - Dangerous currents and waves expected
Tsunami Warning - Major threat to life and property
Most of Southern California is currently under advisory, while Northern California faces a more severe warning.
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🗣️ Experts: Don't Underestimate Small Waves
Renowned seismologist Lucy Jones emphasized that even seemingly small tsunami waves are dangerous:
"You don't need a 50-foot wave to create devastation. A strong 1-foot surge can knock someone off their feet or damage boats."
This means that all water-based activities - swimming, boating, or sightseeing - pose risks until the advisory is lifted.
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🚨 What You Should Do
If you live in or near the affected areas, here's what emergency services recommend:
Leave beaches and waterfronts immediately
void coastal driving or sightseeing
Boaters should head to deep water if safe to do so
Stay tuned to local alerts and weather updates
🔁 A Wake-Up Call
While not expected to mirror disasters like the 2004 Indian Ocean or 2011 Japan tsunamis, this event is a sobering reminder that California's coastlines are vulnerable to seismic events from across the globe.
Officials stress vigilance and cooperation as the situation develops - and urge residents to take all advisories seriously.