A powerful undersea earthquake near Russia’s Pacific coast has triggered a California Tsunami Watch, putting the entire West Coast on high alert. The US National Weather Service (NWS) Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami watch for major areas including the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Oceanside.
Estimated Arrival Times for California Tsunami Watch Zones
According to NWS, the first tsunami waves under the California Tsunami could reach the coast as early as 11:50 PM PDT on July 29, with the following estimated times:
- Fort Bragg – 11:50 PM PDT, July 29
- Crescent City – 11:55 PM PDT, July 29
- Monterey – 12:15 AM PDT, July 30
- Port San Luis – 12:35 AM PDT, July 30
- San Francisco (Bay Area) – 12:40 AM PDT, July 30
- Santa Barbara – 12:50 AM PDT, July 30
- Los Angeles Harbor – 1:05 AM PDT, July 30
- Newport Beach – 1:10 AM PDT, July 30
- Oceanside & La Jolla (San Diego County) – 1:15 AM PDT, July 30
Authorities have urged residents in California Tsunami Watch regions to stay alert, avoid beaches and harbors, and follow emergency updates closely.
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What Triggered the California Tsunami Watch?
The California Tsunami Watch was issued following a massive 8.7-magnitude undersea earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area prone to high seismic activity. The US Geological Survey (USGS) later upgraded the magnitude to 8.8, marking it as one of the most significant quakes in the region in recent years.
Impact Beyond California Tsunami Watch Areas
- Hawaii: Officials warned of potential 10-foot tsunami waves in parts of the Northern Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii’s governor ordered immediate evacuations, stating, “It will not hit one beach; it will wrap around the islands.”
- Japan & Alaska: Similar tsunami warnings were issued for Japan’s coastal zones and Alaska’s Aleutian Islands as the waves move across the Pacific.
Authorities Urge Vigilance During California Tsunami Watch
“TSUNAMI WATCH in effect for the California coast. Estimated time of arrival as early as 12:15 AM on July 30. People along the coast: Stand by for further updates,” the NWS stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the California Tsunami Watch.
Emergency services are monitoring the situation in real-time, with California’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) coordinating with local authorities. Officials stress that even if initial waves are small, later surges under the Tsunami Watch could be stronger and more destructive.
Safety Measures for California Tsunami Watch
Residents in California Tsunami Watch zones are advised to:
- Stay away from beaches, harbors, and marinas.
- Follow official NWS and Cal OES alerts.
- Prepare emergency supplies and evacuation plans.
The California Tsunami Watch will remain in effect until authorities confirm the threat has passed.
When Hawaii, California, and Washington May Witness Tsunami Arrival
The entire Pacific region is on high alert after a massive 8.8-magnitude undersea earthquake struck off Russia’s far eastern coast near the Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting tsunami warnings and watches across multiple nations. The earthquake, one of the strongest recorded in recent years, has triggered a chain of alerts from Alaska to Hawaii and the entire US West Coast.
US Tsunami Warning and Watch Zones
In an emergency update, authorities confirmed:
- Tsunami Warning: Hawaii and Alaska’s western Aleutian Islands are under a direct tsunami warning.
- Tsunami Watch: California, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska’s Pacific coastlines are under watch as officials track the movement of potentially dangerous waves.
- International Alerts: Japan and several Pacific island nations have also been placed under tsunami advisories.
“Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii. A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way,” President Donald Trump said in a late-night emergency statement.
Estimated Tsunami Arrival Times
US Tsunami Warning Centers have released preliminary arrival times based on current oceanic data:
- Western Aleutian Islands (Alaska): Waves already arriving.
- Kodiak, Alaska: Around 12:20 AM ET (9:50 AM IST).
- Southeast Alaska: Estimated between 12:45 AM and 1:55 AM ET (10:15 AM–11:25 AM IST).
- Hawaii: Expected around 1:15 AM ET (11:25 AM IST). Sirens are active across the islands, and emergency shelters have been opened in Hawaii County.
- Washington & Oregon: Waves estimated between 2:35 AM and 2:55 AM ET (12:05 AM–12:25 PM IST).
- California Coast: Arrival times expected slightly later depending on the location, with areas like Crescent City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego on high alert.
Hawaii on Edge
In Hawaii, authorities are treating the situation with utmost urgency. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency issued a stark warning:
“We expect significant damage along the coastlines. We pray that we don’t lose any of our loved ones. That’s why we have to be very safe.”
Tsunami sirens have been activated across all islands, and evacuation routes are being enforced in low-lying coastal zones. Emergency shelters are being prepared to accommodate residents, especially in Hawaii County.
California, Washington, and Oregon Preparedness
With a California Tsunami Watch in effect, coastal communities in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the Bay Area are being advised to stay away from beaches and harbors. Local emergency services are urging residents to:
- Monitor official alerts from the National Weather Service and USGS.
- Avoid coastal areas until the watch is lifted.
- Have evacuation plans ready in case the watch is upgraded to a warning.
In Washington and Oregon, state authorities have activated emergency operations centers. Coastal communities are on standby for possible evacuations depending on wave heights.
What Triggered the Tsunami Threat?
The quake struck near the Kamchatka Peninsula, a hotspot in the Pacific “Ring of Fire” known for intense seismic activity. The US Geological Survey confirmed the quake had a depth of about 46 miles and occurred approximately 315 miles southwest of Bering Island. The massive energy release sent shockwaves across the Pacific Ocean, generating potential tsunami waves that can travel thousands of miles.
Global Impact and Vigilance
- Japan: Monitoring early wave activity; some coastal regions already issued evacuation orders.
- Pacific Islands: Countries including Guam and the Marshall Islands are on heightened alert.
- Alaska: Emergency sirens have been activated, and the state is bracing for multiple wave surges.
Authorities Urge Public Cooperation
Officials emphasize that the first wave is not always the largest. Later waves could bring more destructive force, making it crucial for people to follow safety instructions until the all-clear is given.
Safety Tips During Tsunami Watch/Warning:
- Move to higher ground immediately if you are in a coastal evacuation zone.
- Stay away from beaches, piers, and marinas.
- Do not attempt to watch the waves. Tsunamis can move faster than you can run.
- Keep emergency supplies and communication devices ready.
- Follow official updates via NWS, USGS, and local emergency services.
The situation is still developing as tsunami monitoring systems track wave heights and arrival times across the Pacific.
Stay connected with Hours of News for live tsunami tracking and real-time updates on Hawaii, California, and Washington’s coastal alerts.
