Update 10:45am | The Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster released the following statement this morning regarding the Tsunami Advisory. The full statement is printed below:
Tsunami Advisory Issued for Long Beach
As a result of the destructive earthquake early Saturday morning in Chile, a tsunami is propagating over the Pacific Ocean. Per the National Weather Service in Los Angeles as of 8:03am (http://www.nws.noaa.gov), only a “minor (non-destructive) tsunami event” is expected in Southern California commencing in the late morning to early afternoon hours.
“While indications as of 8:00am this morning do not indicate a significant event,” said Mayor Bob Foster, “be aware that this tsunami activity will likely cause stronger than usual ocean currents and higher than normal tides, especially on south facing beaches. Those that live in low-lying coastal areas should pay particular attention given the confluence of the normal high tide and forecast rains.”
Residents are urged to monitor news outlets for additional updates as the morning progresses.
9:00am | The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Tsunami Advisory for the immediate coast of Southern and Central California in reaction to the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile early this morning. As of 8:32am this morning, NWS states:
This is not a Tsunami Warning or Tsunami Watch…however a minor Tsunami may be recorded in some areas of the coast which could produce dangerous currents and surges in harbors and bays. People are advised to stay away from the beaches and marinas. Wave heights and current are amplified by irregular shorelines and are difficult to predict. Wave fluctuations are expected to begin within 30 minutes of the estimated arrival times listed below:
Port San Luis Harbor at 12:35pm PST.
Santa Barbara Harbor at 12:31pm PST.
Santa Monica Harbor at 12:25m PST.
San Pedro Harbor at 12:15pm PST.
Click here to review the advisory.
Resources
United States Department of State – Overseas Citizens Services
Red Cross
Related Coverage
LATimes: Preparations urged amid tsumani advisory for California
CNN: Pacific under tsunami threat after massive 8.8 quake strikes Chile
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