By Shawn Raymundo
The West Coast of the United States is under a tsunami advisory following a volcanic eruption that occurred in the Tonga Islands, according to a National Weather Service alert early Saturday, Jan. 15.
The advisory from the NWS’s Tsunami Warning Center is effective in the area that stretches from the California/Mexico border to the Aleutian Islands just off of Alaska.
#Tsunami observation update:
A Tsunami is occurring. Remember- the first wave may not be that largest. Move away from the shore and head to high ground. https://t.co/npoUHxEZLS pic.twitter.com/HmXl5cyIkr— NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) January 15, 2022
A public safety alert from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department on Saturday morning notified residents that the advisory has prompted Orange County’s beaches and harbors to close.
In Southern California, tsunami activity was forecasted to start between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. on Saturday, according to the NWS advisory.
A #Tsunami Advisory means: a dangerous wave is on the way. Strong and unusual currents are expected along the coast, and in bays, marinas, and harbors. Move to high ground and away from the shore. More at https://t.co/npoUHxEZLS. pic.twitter.com/MCLDdN9qPp
— NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) January 15, 2022
According to news outlets, the advisory comes after an undersea volcano erupted near the island nation of Tonga in the Pacific on Saturday.
In a tweet from the NWS’s Tsunami Alerts account, the agency advised West Coast residents to “be prepared for impacts in bays and harbors. Live-aboards seek shelter and high ground.”
According to the NWS’ alert chart, an advisory indicates that strong currents and dangerous waves are on the way, and could bring about 1- to 3-foot waves. The public is advised to stay out of the water and away from the shore.
This is a developing story.