Los Angeles, California – Tsunami waves triggered by a massive 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia began arriving along the U.S. West Coast early Wednesday, prompting urgent advisories and sending surges into harbors, beaches, and low-lying coastal roads from California to Washington. Residents are urged to stay off beaches and away from ports until further notice as hazardous conditions are expected to persist throughout the day.
According to the National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center, the advisory affects all coastal counties from San Luis Obispo through Los Angeles, with dangerous currents and waves reaching as far north as Crescent City and into Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The initial waves, measured at just under 3 feet at Arena Cove and nearly 2 feet at Crescent City, may not be the largest. Tsunami events often bring a series of unpredictable surges that can last for hours.
In Los Angeles County, the Sheriff’s Department and emergency officials advise everyone to avoid coastal areas, harbors, and marinas through Wednesday night. Local tide gauges are showing unusual wave patterns, with Port San Luis and Avila Beach experiencing the strongest fluctuations so far. Santa Barbara and LA Harbor are seeing lower wave heights but still face dangerous currents.
Travel along coastal highways, including Highway 1 and beach roads, should be minimized. Boaters should remain in deep water, and anyone living in flood-prone areas should prepare for possible coastal flooding. Stay connected to emergency alerts via Alert.LACounty.gov, charge mobile devices, and monitor local media for the latest updates.
Warnings will remain in effect until further notice, with conditions expected to last into Wednesday evening. Additional advisories may follow if wave activity increases or new surges are detected.
