Tsunami Warning Hits Northern California After 8.8‑Magnitude Earthquake
⚠️ Tsunami Warning Issued for Northern California After Massive 8.8 Earthquake
Date Published: July 30, 2025
A tsunami warning was issued late Tuesday night for California’s North Coast—from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border—after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia. While the tsunami warning applies specifically to far Northern California, a tsunami advisory was also issued for the rest of the coastline, including Monterey, Santa Cruz, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles.
🌊 Tsunami Warning: What We Know
- Earthquake time: 4:25 p.m. PDT, July 29
- Location: Kamchatka Peninsula, eastern Russia
- Magnitude: 8.8
- Tsunami Warning Issued: 8:30 p.m. PDT for parts of Northern California
- Expected wave arrival: Around 11:50 p.m. PDT (Crescent City)
The National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA Tsunami Warning Center have urged residents in the affected areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground and to avoid coastal and low-lying zones.
📍 Areas Under Tsunami Alert
| Region | Alert Level | Expected Wave Height | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent City / Humboldt County | Warning | 3–5 feet | Evacuate to higher ground immediately |
| Monterey / Santa Cruz | Advisory | Under 1 foot | Stay away from beaches and harbors |
| San Francisco Bay Area | Advisory | Under 1 foot | Dangerous currents possible; avoid water activity |
| Los Angeles / Ventura | Advisory | Less than 1 foot | Stay off beaches and away from docks |
🚨 Tsunami Alert Levels Explained
- Tsunami Warning: A tsunami is imminent or already occurring. Move inland and to higher ground.
- Tsunami Advisory: Strong currents and hazardous waves are expected. Avoid the coast.
- Tsunami Watch: A potential tsunami exists, but not confirmed. Stay alert and monitor updates.
📢 Safety Instructions
If you are located in a warning zone (such as Crescent City or Humboldt County):
- Evacuate immediately if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone.
- Do not return until officials declare it safe.
- Avoid rivers, beaches, and harbors.
If you are in an advisory zone (e.g., Bay Area, Monterey, LA):
- Stay off the beach and away from marinas and piers.
- Keep updated with emergency broadcasts or local alerts.
- Waves may continue for several hours. Do not assume safety after the first wave.
🌐 Historical Context
The Northern California coast—especially Crescent City—has a tragic history with tsunamis. In 1964, a tsunami generated by a 9.2-magnitude Alaskan quake killed 11 people and destroyed much of Crescent City’s harbor.
While current estimates do not suggest a disaster of the same scale, the public is advised to take all warnings seriously.
📲 Stay Informed
- Official NOAA Tsunami Alerts
- California Tsunami Hazard Maps
- Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your smartphone
- Follow local emergency services or sign up for alerts like NotifyLA or AlertSF
🔗 Related Resources
Stay safe, California. Follow official alerts and prioritize your safety and that of your community.
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