Medford, Oregon – Strong currents and dangerous waves are expected to strike Oregon’s coastal areas tonight, as a tsunami advisory remains in effect following a massive offshore earthquake. Residents from Charleston to Brookings are urged to leave beaches, harbors, and marinas, with the highest water levels expected late Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Medford, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeast of Petropavlovsk Kamchatka at 4:25 p.m. PDT. Tsunami waves could arrive in Oregon coastal cities as early as 11:45 p.m. PDT in Charleston, where minor sea level rise is predicted, and between 1.0 to 1.8 feet in Port Orford by 11:35 p.m. Brookings may see waves up to 1.5 feet just before midnight.
Travel is strongly discouraged in all low-lying coastal zones. Officials warn that tsunami surges often come in multiple waves over several hours, and strong currents may persist long after the first surge. Residents should keep clear of the shoreline, secure vessels, and monitor local updates from the National Weather Service and NOAA radio.
The advisory will stay in effect until further notice as authorities continue to monitor wave activity. Further alerts or evacuation orders may be issued if conditions worsen.
