UPDATE:
The tsunami advisory remains in place for Humboldt County due to last night’s volcanic explosion near the Tonga Islands.
“For your safety, stay away from beaches and low-lying coastal areas until emergency officials advise it is safe. DO NOT GO TO THE SHORE TO SEE THE TSUNAMI. Dangerous waves can continue for several hours. says a 10 a.m. update from the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services.
The Redwood Coast Tsunami Task Force reports that the maximum height at Crescent City recorded so far (at around 10 a.m.) was 20 inches and just under 3 feet at Arena Cove.
“The tsunami advisory is still in place and everyone should stay off the beach, possibly for the rest of the day,” the group’s message read.
According to a press release from the City of Eureka, after receiving notification of the advisory, staff attended the Eureka Boat Basin early in the morning to notify residents living on their boats and advised them to to leave. People found camping in their vehicles at the Samoa boat launch or other port areas have also been notified, the statement said.
“All docks and ramps have been closed and are expected to remain closed until a ‘clear’ notice is issued,” the city’s statement read. “A slight power surge was noticed in the port area around 8 a.m. and staff continue to monitor the area for further power surges. Power surges that could be dangerous can occur several hours after the first wave arrives. The first wave or tsunami surge may not be the highest in the series.”
PREVIOUSLY:
The National Weather Service has issued a tsunami warning for the west coast due to seismic activity near Tonga last night. Although no evacuation is necessary, an alert message from the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services warns local residents to “stay away from beaches and low-lying coastal areas, avoid boating from boating and fishing for the next few hours”.
According to the National Weather Service’s Eureka office Facebook page, waves can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet, and “strong rip currents and coastal flooding” are expected.
The Redwood Coast Tsunami Task Force reports that the local tsunami surge is “modest” but arrives near high tide with a strong surge.
“Don’t go to the coast to watch,” the group warns on its Facebook page. “You’re unlikely to see anything of interest, but the combination of storm waves and tsunamis could cause sudden, unexpected surges along the beach.”
