Tsunami warning issued for Bay Area after 8.9 quake hits Japan
A tsunami warning has been issued for the Northern and Central California coast, including the San Francisco area, after a magnitude-8.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan.
The National Weather Service’s West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center says the waves are projected to reach San Francisco at 8:08 a.m. Friday. The tsunami is expected to peak between 1.5 and 3 feet along the Pacific coast near the Bay Area, with waves projected to reach more than 7 feet near Crescent City, California.
- RELATED: Latest tsunami warning from the National Weather Service
- RELATED: Forecast tsunami amplitudes from the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
- MAP: Areas under tsunami warning
- RELATED: Tsunami safety tips from the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
- RELATED: Tsunami inundation maps from the California emergency management agency
Peak waves are expected “two to three hours after initial arrival along the North American coast,” according to the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. High waves and dangerous currents can continue for several hours after the first wave hits.
Authorities are warning people to stay away from low-lying coastal areas and beaches and out of the water.
San Mateo County officials have issued a voluntary evacuation for coastal areas, and those in other low-lying coastal areas are being advised to be on alert for potential evacuations.
According to the WC/ATWC, a tsunami warning indicates “widespread dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents is possible.”
The earthquake, which struck off Japan’s east coast, about 230 miles from Tokyo, at 2:46 PM Friday local time, triggered a wave which has caused widespread damage, with at least 90 reported dead in Japan. Dozens of powerful aftershocks have been reported.
A tsunami warning has been issued for islands throughout the Pacific, including Hawaii, where evacuations are underway. The International Red Cross has warned that the tsunami wave could completely wash over some low-lying Pacific islands.
The California Emergency Management Agency says it has activated its operations center in preparation for any possible event.
San Francisco has closed its beaches and the Great Highway as a “precaution,” though the city does not expect to issue evacuations of residents living near the coast.
Contact Steven Luo at sluo@californiabeat.org.
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HOW WILL WE KNOW HOW BIG THIS TSUNAMI WAVE WILL BE AND D
WILL WE FEEL AN EARTHQUAKE TOO ? OR WILL IT JUST HAPPEN IMMEDIATELY? I WILL NOT SLEEP TONIGHT
I live in San Jose, CA (South Santa Clara County) will we be affected over here? I am very concerned for this area. What precautions should I take?
THE LISTING OF A TSUNAMI ARRIVAL TIME- Source:Lat: 38.0NLng: 142.9EMag: 7.9O-time: 0546UTCDate: MAR 11 —» Santa Monica, California 0839 PST MAR 11 1639 UTC MAR 11Newport Beach, California 0845 PST MAR 11 1645 UTC MAR 11 San Francisco, California 0816 PST MAR 11 1616 UTC MAR 11.
I live in santa cruz ca and i want a yes or a no should i leave town?
What our the implications for the outer sunset area in SF?
i want a yes or a no should i be packing a bag i live in Santa Cruz CA.
They can predict wave height and time based on the amplitude of the wave. A Tsunami doesn’t mean an earthquake will follow (though it could out of coincidence, highly unlikely, knock wood).
The pre-cautions I’ve read about are to move away from coastal areas,
and to go to higher grounds.
This is the best source for info:
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/
all we can do is pray
Ben: I’m in SJ too and trying to find out info
According to this map, I think we’re OK.
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/
Mountains between us and the coast that even water going up a creek or river couldn’t breach.
But have family member working in SSF near the bay and wondering if should keep them home ..can’t find any projections about the bay
Alviso is near water… Santa Clara is near Alviso… You may consider heading for higher grounds.
Don’t worry you’re all OK. If you live near the coast and have very little elevation (0-10ft above sea level) Then you should worry about flooding. Otherwise It will just be some Large waves and Unprudictable currents. I wouldn’t go fishing on a small boat, swimming, surfing(although you know some ppl will), or anything like that. I personally am going to go to the beach and watch the waves come in from higher ground(20+ft)=P
Good night! and Good luck.
STOP BEING PARANOID! After traveling thousand’s of miles, the tsunami’s energy will be nothing more than high surf. NOT EVEN TSUNAMI worthy.
I live in Monterey California…the central coast. Should I be concerned? Should I be packing up my kids and heading inland?
http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2011/03/11/lhvpd9/01/webetalhvpd9-01.txt
ALERT!!! NOT A JOKE!!! Tsunami arrival times for the West Coast of the United States,
Friday 3/11/11 7:20 am
Tsunami from Japan to hit West Coast of United States approx. 7:20am PST
from Neah Bay, Washington to LA California.
8:45 Seattle Washington
San Pedro, Newport Beach……..
Major 8.9 Earthquake hit just off the Northern Japan Island early this morning!
Tsunami strike also!!!
see link at top for possible arrival times.
Tsunami not Immenent but possible. Stay away from low areas and the ocean!!!!
in San Francisco, should I be evacuating?
what about Vallejo area ?
This is a map of inundation areas of San Francisco:
http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2009/12/san_franciscos_tsunami_inundation_map_literally_not_fig.html
They say Sf will see the first wave at 8:16 am. No word on how high it will be.
terrifying… i hope nothing happens to california.. i wonder if sf hills consider to be safe?
No evacuations are being ordered along the California coast at this time.
IS IT GOING TO BE IN VALLEJO AREA SINCE IM BY THE WATER???
I found a site that has good info. 2 of my sons are in the coast guard and they texted me that the waves will start arriving at Newport, OR at 7:30 this morning and San Francisco at 8:08 am. Be safe and stay away from the beaches. I couldn’t find out how high the waves will be, they both had to go prepare for tsunami support duty. Use common sense…better to watch your tsunami on the news rather than out on the beach. Inform yourselves, prepare yourselves, don’t wait to be told what to do.
Seriously, what’s up with the lack of local coverage and the vague tsunami warnings for the Bay Area? I live in the Richmond District, SF, and it would be awesome to get a clearer idea of who should be thinking about heading for higher ground. Channel 7 News was covering it live just up until we went from “watch” to “warning” status, then ABC World News took over and has had nothing much to say about SF, except for the “if you live on the coastline, be prepared to evacuate” warning crawling across the screen. Relatively speaking, I live “on the coastline”…but maybe not so close as to have to worry? Where’s the local news?
Evacuation orders are possible for residents near the beach and coastal area…If I lived in any of the areas where the beach is visible I would evacuate. I don’t think there is any way the tsunami won’t reach us.
Dear people these moves all from God trust me believe my word’s God showing us examples, that we all should pray and stop doing bad negative things, God trying to make us understand by showing us these moves,to recognize him more and more and truly pray to him..A lot of killing fucking, sucking, murdering, lying racisms extresism pornstars lesbians gays ton of other things going on this world the world almost getting fucked up WAKE UP people, how stupid we are when we understand its almost the end of the world..The Fuckin Gov.made us busy occupied with Fuckin Video games mcdonalds dancing with the stars and knowing fuckin nothing about the reality…
God bless u all do good people.
my facebook name is (Insomniac An)
I am also disappointed in the lack of local coverage for bay area. I am listening to scanner in Hawaii as they are evacuating.
For more information on current tsunami warnings/evacuation orders, you can call your local sheriff’s office’s dispatch number. In Santa Cruz, this is 831-471-1131. If an evacuation is issued, the sheriff’s department says that home phones will be called and door to door warnings will be made in low-lying areas first.
I live in the Inland area, so Im not really worried about it, but I have friends and fam. in the Bay Area that I hope is staying on alert. If push comes to shove, imma get them to come my way…
I live 1 mile from the beach – sf outer sunset should I evacuate? Can’t sleep
I live in south san Jose. Should I be worried. I’m really freaking out. Should I wake up my parents??
IT says that the waves should be no higher than 3-5 ft. Not saying that I am not a little worried. I live in San Pablo by Richmond. I believe that Vallejo will be find bc we are inland. I don’t know anything about tsunami’s though. I hope that everyone stays safe and sound. If not…go to Modesto for the day. I am seriously considering it. I can not sleep whatsoever. I am afraid that they will try to evacuate at the last minute and create mass hysteria on the freeways so no one can move.
im not seeing any real news on bay area only thing i have found is a Hawaii news channel KITV4 live web channel on KSBW.com.WHY IS THERE NO INFO FOR US!!!! i feel like they want us to not know sometimes its the lack of news you have to worry about.
They are not really covering anything right now…this is why we are all on here talking to each other. If you start hearing alarms…run.
I cant sleep… i live in south side san jose, and i woke up my parents and told them about this and they didn’t believe me/take me seriously. Should I evacuate out of here? It seems like no one can find a definte anserw, the only news I have been watchng is ABC: World News which keeps replaying the same things.
What are we supposed to do?
well its looks like KSBW just posted something for our area.
“National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Mehle in Monterey says some of the biggest waves are expected to hit Crescent City around 7 a.m. He says wave heights between 6-and-7 feet are expected there. Crescent City is located about 20 miles south of the Oregon border.
The Marin County coast south to Monterey is expected to see wave heights of about 2 feet beginning at around 8 a.m.”
i hope this mean i can go to bed lol
Follow this link for more info if u live in the bay area if you are worried.
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/03/11/tsunami-watch-for-california-coast-after-big-japan-quake/
I see right now signing up that whoever is posting needs to keep it clean, be nice, AND STAY ON TOPIC, JOHNY!!
What you were talking about has nothing to do with what’s going on!! And while you’re being all holyer(?) than thou, you were raunchy and nasty, dropping the f bomb left & right.
Your subject of discussion had nothing to do with who does what.
These people have every right to be scared, keep your looney negative thoughts to yourself!!
Santa Clara county is now on warning
Guys, seriously, it’s going to hit and look like a slightly larger than normal wave. Everyone in CA is perfectly safe, even if they’re right on the coast. The surfers aren’t even going to have fun with this one. That’s why you’re not seeing much info on it: it’s not worth talking about.
And for those of you in San Jose: no tsunami in history has ever been large enough to even get vaguely close to getting over the mountains to San Jose.
i live in East San Jose and very freaked out right now… i think if the tsunami hits we will not get it that bad cuz were not right near the coast but then again were surrounded by the water in every way. but we really don’t know… we all need to pray to god that nothing bad happens and if it does then hopefully were all safe…
dear Lord Jesus
please protect my family and everyone reading this message right now
thank you Lord Jesus
AMEN
The entire western coastline of the USA should just be aware that there is a small possiblity of a tsunami that could actually have an effect us, but nothing absolute. Freaking out won’t help anything.
I live in San Luis Obispo County, CA on the coast. I’m just going to stay out of the water and off the beaches. If you can’t do the same (and I can’t imagine why not,) keep an eye out for unusual waves, oddly receeding water, you know, the unusual things that might mean trouble. If you see them, head inland or for higher ground. Keep your vehicles gassed up, have a to-go bag of emergency essentials, including needs for the pets and emergency contact info. Like Grandma used to say “Prepare for the worst, then hope for the best.” God bless us all, and especially those in Japan and China. Our hearts go out to you! Hawaii, we’ve got you covered in prayers! Aloha from those pesky haoles in CA. Lol. You’re always welcome here in East Maui!
ALL OF YOU!!
It is better to be safe than sorry..don’t panic.
!) Do not panic
2) have money, passport/id/driver’s license ready. As well as extra clothing, some food, etc. Head to the highest parts of town.
…just be ready for evacuation. Be ware of the news…
Just read the Natl Weather Service Page: Waves to 2-3 ft are expected in and around San Francisco. Stay off the beach and if you’re still worried the wave will get past the great highway into the outer sunset pack some stuff and head to the inner or middle Sunset.
Don’t blame the ‘bad stuff’ in the world and stop pointing fingers at people for making God mad. It’s ignorance that causes death in these situations, not a wrathful god.
I live in the south bay area (Sunnyvale)
I’m also a well known psychic… All fellow
Neighbors!! Not to worry! Everything will be ok!
@Ben. Grow a pair!
Do u people not have common sense? It’s not possible.. Stfu!
I hex all you people who read this!
@Rachel R.. Stfu! “God” won’t save your essj ass!
Two observations:
1) If you live in Vallejo you should work hard, save your money, and move as soon as possible. (but not worry about the possible tsunami)
2) If praying and bowing to the will of God is your only solution in the face of this potential crisis you should invest whatever money you have in a proper education, abandon your stone age superstitions, and try very hard to rewire your brain to understand that this is an act of NATURE and that God is not real. I know it is hard given that you were indoctrinated with a crazy set of beliefs as a child and that having an imaginary friend to help you understand existence can be soothing — but your platitudes serve no purpose in an actual crisis and in fact your resignation puts you and other in real danger.
I am from CA and moved to NC. Listen people~ The scriptures says that GOD has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power love and a sound mind. Before you panic and move forward…. Repent, ask Jesus to come into your heart and be your personal savior. Then pray and ask for guidance in what you should do. If they say that it will hit then move to higher grounds. I have prayed for you all even though I do not know you. Read the scriptures they are being fulfilled matthew 24….. I am not surprised just praying! This is the beginning of the birthing pangs that the Holy Scriptures talks about. But it is not the end…. The end is not here yet, but is coming! Be blessed…
So what San diego CA will or won’t be hit should me daughters go to school there 11 and 17 I’m soooooooooo scared 2012 is one year early!!!!!! NO
Noah, it’s not that a tsunami could actually reach San Jose from the ocean. It’s that if we ever had a HUGE tsunami, the SF Bay would be inundated, and actually, Alameda and parts of Mountain View do have warnings. Yes, SJ is a ways south, but flooding could happen in Mountain View and parts of Sunnyvale. Which, would probably cause some issues with traffic and such in San Jose. Just because we’re away from the coast doesn’t mean we can’t be affected in one way or another by a tsunami.