California, July 30, 2025: A tsunami advisory has been issued for coastal areas of California as part of a tsunami warning issued across the Pacific Ocean after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. While a tsunami warning remains in effect for some areas, an advisory is currently in effect for most of California’s coastline.
Type of warning:
- Tsunami Warning: This highest level of warning has been issued for coastal areas from Cape Mendocino, California to the Oregon/California border. This means that widespread flooding and dangerous rip currents are possible or occurring. People are advised to seek higher ground or move inland.
- Tsunami Advisory: This advisory is in effect for coastal areas from the California/Mexico border to Cape Mendocino. This means that strong currents or dangerous waves are possible, which could be dangerous to people in or near the water. People are advised to stay out of the water and avoid beaches and waterways.
Potential time of impact and impact:
Tsunami waves began to reach the California coast hours after the earthquake off the coast of Russia. Waves were expected to reach various coastal areas of California starting early Wednesday morning local time. For example, waves were expected to reach Los Angeles Harbor at approximately 1:05 a.m., Newport Beach at 1:10 a.m., and Oceanside at 1:15 a.m.
Although no major or widespread tsunamis are forecast for California, officials warn that even small waves can create strong and dangerous rip currents, especially in harbors, beaches and low-lying waterways. Wave heights in Los Angeles are expected to be less than a foot, but waves of 3.2 feet are expected in Port San Luis and 0.9 to 1.7 feet in Santa Barbara.
What to do:
- Follow all instructions from local authorities.
- Stay away from beaches, harbors and marinas.
- Avoid going near the water.
- Do not take photos on the shore, as waves can come in unexpectedly and with dangerous force.
- Follow information from the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center and local emergency services (e.g. NOAA, NWS) for official messages.
- If an evacuation order is issued in your area, immediately move to higher ground and a safe location.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is monitoring the potential impact of the earthquake and tsunami, and a statewide alert has been issued. Residents of coastal areas are urged to exercise extreme caution and stay safe.
Powerful earthquake hits eastern Russia; tsunami warning issued across Pacific
A powerful earthquake off the coast of Russia’s eastern Kamchatka Peninsula was initially measured at 8.0, then at 8.7, and finally revised to 8.8 by the USGS. The epicenter was 136 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for a wide swath of the Pacific Ocean.
According to preliminary information, tsunami warnings and advisories have been issued for the United States, Russia, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Hawaii, the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, parts of Indonesia, Tonga, China, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Guam.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of waves of up to 3 meters, and waves of up to 60 cm have already been recorded in some parts of Japan’s Pacific coast. Hawaii also saw sudden rises in sea levels and commercial ships were ordered to evacuate ports. Tonga has activated its tsunami warning sirens and authorities in Russia’s Sakhalin region have declared a state of emergency in the Kuril Islands due to damage and flooding caused by tsunami waves.
The earthquake occurred on the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire”, which is known for significant earthquakes and volcanic activity. There were also reports of ash plumes being emitted from the nearby Klyuchevskoy volcano in the region. Experts have warned that tsunamis could travel at the speed of a commercial aircraft and have advised coastal residents not to go ashore to take pictures. The situation is being monitored and authorities are advised to keep an eye on the situation.