A tsunami alert was issued Saturday morning off the coast of California following a volcanic eruption near Tonga in the Pacific.
Authorities said many beaches and marinas from Orange County to the Bay Area have been temporarily closed due to higher tides than usual. Authorities advised people to get out of the water and leave the shore.
“We advise people to stay out of the water and on the beaches,” said Kristen Lund, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnord.
He said the warning was “very unusual” because it was caused by a volcanic eruption and not an earthquake under the sea, and it extended across the west coast. He said the entire coastline was in danger, including parts of the islands, such as the port of Avalon, which is far from the volcano.
The wave could “rise a lot around the island and jump off the coast,” he said. As of 8:30 a.m., he said the port of San Luis in Obispo County, San Luis, had seen a storm surge of more than a foot.
The National Weather Service said tsunami action was expected to reach Monterrey at 7:30 a.m. and San Francisco at 8:10 p.m. Berkeley closed his marina and urged people to look for higher ground.
“If you are in this coastal area, stay away from beaches and harbors and marinas,” the NWS said. Do not go near the beach to see the tsunami. Follow the instructions of your local emergency officer.
In a consultation with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, although no major flooding was expected, the tsunami could create dangerous currents and tidal waves throughout the day, making it dangerous to enter the water. Strong currents are expected in ports and bays for several hours.
Los Angeles County officials issued the following warning to coastal areas:
Exit the water, exit the beach and avoid the harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and gates.
Do not go near the beach to see the tsunami.
Do not return to shore until local emergency officials say it is safe.
Authorities said waves of up to 1 to 2 feet could be expected in some coastal areas. “The main impacts are strong tornadoes, coastal flooding and possible flooding in low-lying areas. Go to higher ground,” the NWS said.
The tsunami was triggered by an underwater volcano erupting on Saturday. The epicenter was reported below the Pacific Ocean floor, however; no tsunami alert was issued.
In Hawaii, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center announced that waves of up to 2.7 feet have reached the coast in Navalvili, Hawaii, Hawaii. Describing the situation in Hawaii, the center said, “We are relieved that there was no damage and only minor flooding on all islands.”
In Tonga, a video posted on social media shows people reaching the coastal areas and circling around houses and buildings.
On the Pacific coast of Hawaii, Alaska and the United States, residents were asked to move from the coast to higher ground and to listen to specific instructions from their local emergency management officials, said Tsunami Warning Coordinator for National Tsunami Dave Snyder. Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska.
Read this note in English Click here
