Tsunami Warning Issued For California Coast

A Tsunami Warning has been issued for rhe west coast of the United States, including Washington, Oregon and California coastlines, according to the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center.

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. Those feeling the earth shake, seeing unusual wave action, or the water level rising or receding may have only a few minutes before the tsunami arrival and should move immediately. Homes and small buildings are not designed to withstand tsunami impacts. Do not stay in these structures.

All residents within the warned area should be alert for instructions broadcast from their local civil authorities. A tsunami has been recorded.

At 9:46 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on March 10, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 8.9 occurred near the east coast of Honshu, Japan .This earthquake has generated a tsunami which could cause damage to coastal regions in a warning or advisory. The waves are expected to first reach Shemya, Alaska at 12:13 AM AKST on March 11.

In Southern California, Santa Monica could experience the wave at 8;48 a.m., Newport Beach at 8:45 a.m., Santa Barbara at 8:24 a.m., and the U.S. Mexico border at 8:54 a.m., according to the Tsunam Warning Center.

The times are estimates, and are in no way a guarantee that a tsunami will arrive.

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