By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–A Tsunami Advisory was issued Tuesday afternoon for the West Coast following a powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, according to the National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center.
The advisory, which covers Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, and California, was issued after the quake struck around 4:25 p.m. about 80 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
In California, the advisory includes Fort Bragg, Monterey, Port San Luis, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles Harbor, Newport Beach, La Jolla, and Oceanside.
Officials warn that tsunamis are a series of waves that can pose dangers for several hours after their initial arrival. The first wave may not be the largest, but strong currents could make conditions hazardous for swimmers, boaters, and people near the shoreline.
The National Weather Service said widespread flooding is not expected, but residents in advisory areas are urged to stay away from the water until the advisory expires, which is anticipated to remain in effect until Friday.
