Tsunami waves have begun hitting parts of California, Hawaii, and Alaska following a major undersea earthquake in the Pacific Ocean. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Los Angeles has warned residents to stay away from affected coastal areas, cautioning that multiple waves could strike over the next 24 hours.
“The Port San Luis gauge recorded a rapid and damaging tidal surge, rising from low to high tide within minutes,” the NWS said. “Do not return to inundated areas, as waters may recede and return multiple times, and the first wave may not be the largest.”
Hawaii downgrades alert to advisory
In Hawaii, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) downgraded its tsunami warning to an advisory. While no serious damage was reported, residents were urged to remain cautious. The center confirmed that the US state is not expected to experience significant tsunami waves and that those who had evacuated could now safely return.
California braces for high tide impact
In California, the NWS warned that wave activity could intensify through the night, particularly around high tide. “Waves will continue to build and become more dangerous. Stay away from beaches and low-lying coastal areas,” the agency said. The tsunami threat has also triggered warnings across the South Pacific. The US Embassy issued advisories for Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. American citizens in those regions have been urged to stay informed and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.“A tsunami threat includes the risk of dangerous coastal flooding and strong, unusual currents hazardous to people near the shoreline,” the embassy noted. The US National Weather Service also warned that the Solomon Islands could see tsunami waves as high as three meters.