Medford, Oregon – Southern Oregon residents are seeing the first local measurements from Tuesday night’s powerful 8.8 earthquake, with Port Orford recording the highest tsunami surge along the coast at 2.4 feet early Wednesday. According to the National Tsunami Warning Center, the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky quake triggered a series of waves across several Oregon coastal communities, with preliminary data now available.
Officials reported wave heights of 1.2 feet in Garibaldi, 1 foot in Charleston, and smaller surges near Astoria and South Beach, while Wauna saw no tsunami activity. Emergency agencies emphasized the event’s timing, with most waves arriving between midnight and sunrise. Local authorities in Curry, Coos, and Clatsop counties urged residents to remain clear of beaches and ports until waters fully stabilize, stressing the need for caution even with moderate surges.
Travel disruptions and limited access remain possible in low-lying areas near the coast, and boaters are advised to monitor updates as aftershocks could trigger further wave activity. Power and communications were unaffected, but officials recommend keeping emergency kits and devices charged as a precaution.
Tsunami advisories for the southern coast may continue through Wednesday morning as experts analyze new data and monitor for additional impacts.
