Tsunami watch issued for California coast after Russia earthquake:
Tuesday afternoon, July 29, 2025, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, at a shallow depth of approximately 19‑20 km, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific, including for California’s West Coast.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center immediately issued a tsunami watch for the entire West Coast of the U.S., stretching from the California–Mexico borders up to the British Columbia–Alaska border. Tsunami advisory for the full length of California’s coast and a tropical warning for Northern California, especially between Cape Mendocino and the Oregon border.
Advisory & Warning Zones: What They Mean
- A tsunami advisory signals that strong currents and hazardous waves are likely near harbors, beaches, and marinas. It means that while widespread flooding is not expected, coastal activity should be avoided.
- Tsunami warning, issued for a focused region of Northern California, denotes the potential for serious inundation and urges immediate evacuation of vulnerable coastal zones.
Tuesday afternoon, July 29, 2025, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, at a shallow depth of approximately 19‑20 km, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific, including for California’s West Coast.
Particularly in Crescent City and Del Norte County, officials forecast waves of 3–5 feet, especially during high tide around 3:30 a.m. PDT. For Humboldt County, waves of up to 1–2 feet are expected, with strong currents still hazardous.
under 1 foot, but still posing dangerous currents.
Local Precautions and Evacuations
Monterey County authorities issued evacuation warnings for boaters living aboard vessels in harbors at Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Moss Landing. Beach closures and evacuation signage have been implemented in harbor-adjacent zones. Monterey Harbor boat owners were urged to either move their vessels or collectively leave until the advisory is lifted.
Beaches and piers—including those in Orange County (Capo Beach, Salt Creek, Baby Beach), Huntington Beach, and Los Angeles harbors—were shut down.Tuesday afternoon, July 29, 2025, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, at a shallow depth of approximately 19‑20 km, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific, including for California’s West Coast. Officials deployed lifeguards and park personnel to clear coastal areas. Boat owners were warned to seek deeper water or move vessels in the harbor where possible.
Waves Arrive & Ongoing Monitoring
First tsunami waves reached Hawaii around 7:17 p.m., prompting evacuations in low-lying areas. were recorded in Maui and Hawaii Island; harbors were closed, and flights to affected islands were diverted or canceled. Tuesday afternoon, July 29, 2025, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, at a shallow depth of approximately 19‑20 km, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific, including for California’s West Coast. Monterey Harbor boat owners were urged to either move their vessels or collectively leave until the advisory is lifted.
In California, modest wave activity—approximately 0.5 meters (~1.6 feet)—was recorded in some locations, with Crescent City identified as the most vulnerable area. Tuesday afternoon, July 29, 2025, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, at a shallow depth of approximately 19‑20 km, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific, including for California’s West Coast. The arrival window for waves spanned late night into early morning on Wednesday, with effects possibly lasting up to 10 hours or more in vulnerable zones.
What Expert Authorities Advise
Officials reiterated that the tsunami event involves multiple waves over hours or days, not just one surge. Even relatively small waves can generate life‑threatening strong currents, causing harbor damage, capsizing boats, and sweeping people into the water.
The National Weather Service urged residents to move off beaches, avoid harbors, stay inland, and monitor official updates. Tuesday afternoon, July 29, 2025, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, at a shallow depth of approximately 19‑20 km, triggering tsunami alerts across the Pacific, including for California’s West Coast. Boaters were told to seek deep water or evacuate the harbors. California’s Governor Gavin Newsom said that the state’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating closely with local coastal agencies to monitor and respond to evolving conditions
