Tsunami Warning Issued for California After 8.8 Earthquake Off Russia's Coast: What You Need to Know

Widespread Tsunami Advisory Along California Coast

A tsunami warning has been issued for the entire California coast after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula late Tuesday (July 29). The US National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Tsunami Warning Center have issued the warning, alerting communities from Fort Bragg to San Diego to expect strong coastal currents, dangerous waves and local flooding.

Waves crash along California coast amid tsunami advisory after 8.8 quake near Russia

Although there are currently no mandatory evacuations in place, officials are urging residents and tourists living in low-lying coastal areas to stay away from beaches, marinas and port areas until the advisory is lifted.

Wave Arrival Times for California Cities: Full Timeline

The first tsunami waves are expected to reach the northern coast of California just before midnight, and will move south over the next 90 minutes. Estimated arrival times (PDT) are as follows:

• Fort Bragg – 11:50 pm

• Crescent City – 11:55 pm

• Monterey – 12:15 am (July 30)

• Port San Luis – 12:35 am

• San Francisco – 12:40 am

• Santa Barbara – 12:50 am

• Los Angeles Harbor – 1:05 am

• Newport Beach – 1:10 am

• Oceanside and La Jolla – 1:15 am

Important: These waves may occur multiple times and continue for several hours. Subsequent waves may be more powerful than the first.

How Big Will the Waves Be? Here’s the Forecasted Impact

Despite the long distance from the epicenter, tsunami models predict significant wave activity along the California coast. Here's a detailed breakdown:

• Port San Luis: up to 3.2 feet

• Santa Barbara: 0.9 – 1.7 feet

• Los Angeles and San Diego: less than 1 foot, but with high-risk currents

These wave heights may seem small, but officials warn that even modest surges could produce life-threatening waves, especially near inlets, piers and harbor entrances.

Safety Guidelines: What You Should Do Right Now

With wave activity expected between 11:50 PM and 1:15 AM PDT, residents and visitors should:

• Avoid beaches, piers and harbors — even to watch.

• Move inland or to higher ground if you are in a low-lying or flood-prone area.

• Do not approach the shore to take photos or video.

• Use the California Tsunami Hazard Maps to identify safe evacuation routes.

• Monitor alerts via:

• tsunami.gov

• NOAA Weather Radio

• Local Emergency Broadcasts

• Follow the instructions of local authorities without delay.

Tsunami conditions can last 10-36 hours. The danger may not be obvious at first glance, but strong currents and flooding can occur without warning.

Tsunami Advisories vs Warnings: What’s the Difference

This is a warning, not a tsunami warning. Here's what it means:

• Tsunami warning = take immediate action, evacuate if told.

• Tsunami advisory = stay off the coast, dangerous currents expected, but no widespread flooding expected yet.

The situation could change if additional seismic activity occurs in the Pacific Basin.

Are Evacuations Being Planned

As of now, no evacuation orders have been issued. However, local officials are actively monitoring conditions and may update guidelines overnight based on the behavior and current intensity of incoming waves.

Preparedness measures are in place, specifically for:

• LA County

• San Diego County

• Bay Area coastal areas

Stay informed, stay safe

West Coast residents are urged to remain vigilant overnight and into the morning. Don't be fooled by the small height of the waves - tsunami waves can cause chaotic turbulence in the water, damage to boats, and even drowning in shallow areas.