Southern California Coast Under Tsunami Advisory After 8.8 Magnitude Earthquake in Russia

Tsunami Threat for West Coast

• 🚨 An 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia has triggered a tsunami threat for Hawaii and the entire U.S. West Coast.
• 🌊 Waves up to 10 feet are expected to lash the Hawaiian shoreline, with advisories issued for California coastal communities.
• ⚠️ The earthquake, the strongest since the 2011 Japan earthquake, occurred on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.

California Coastal Impact

• 📍 Southern California counties including Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, and Santa Barbara are under a tsunami advisory.
• ⏰ The tsunami is expected to arrive in the Southern California area around 1:00 AM Wednesday.
• 🚢 Residents in coastal areas are advised to move off beaches and out of harbors and marinas.
• 🚗 Evacuations in Hawaii caused heavy traffic as locals and tourists rushed to higher ground.

Safety Measures and Warnings

• 📢 LA County Sheriff's boats and helicopters patrolled Marina del Rey, announcing the advisory and urging preparedness.
• ⚓ Boat owners are heeding warnings, moving vessels to higher ground and preparing for potential evacuation.
• 🌊 Experts warn that tsunamis often arrive as a series of waves or surges, which can be dangerous for many hours.
• 🚫 Authorities are clearing piers and beaches, with law enforcement remaining vigilant to ensure people stay off the shoreline.

Flight and Travel Disruptions

• ✈️ A Southwest flight headed to Honolulu returned to LAX mid-flight due to the tsunami warning affecting Hawaii.
• 🗺️ Several flights from Southern California to Hawaii were forced to return to LAX and San Diego.

Hawaii's Experience

• 🗣️ A resident in Waikiki reported that tsunami warning sirens blared, leading to evacuations and people moving to higher ground.
• ⏳ Residents were advised by officials to wait for official cancellation before leaving higher ground.
• 💧 Supplies like bottled water were being distributed to those in shelters.