A tsunami advisory is in effect for coastal areas of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula earlier Tuesday evening.
The quake, which occurred at 4:25 p.m., was centered about 80 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. In response, the National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami advisory covering a broad stretch of the Pacific Northwest, including inland waterways and coastal communities.
The advisory includes Skagit County, San Juan County, Island County, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Whatcom County, and the Washington outer coast. Affected cities include La Conner, Bellingham, Anacortes, La Push, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Westport, and Tacoma.
Potential for dangerous conditions
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, the tsunami is expected to generate strong and hazardous currents in harbors, marinas, and coastal zones. Widespread flooding is not expected, but dangerous conditions may persist for several hours.
“Tsunamis often arrive as a series of waves or surges,” the NWS said in a written statement. “The first wave may not be the largest.”
Residents and visitors are urged to move off beaches, docks, and out of the water. Officials strongly advise against traveling to the coast to watch for waves.
Estimated arrival times
Here are the forecasted tsunami arrival times for select Washington locations:
| Location | Forecast Arrival (PDT) |
|---|---|
| Neah Bay | 11:40 p.m. – July 29 |
| Westport | 11:50 p.m. – July 29 |
| Moclips | 11:50 p.m. – July 29 |
| Port Angeles | 12:15 a.m. – July 30 |
| Port Townsend | 12:45 a.m. – July 30 |
| Bellingham | 1:10 a.m. – July 30 |
| Tacoma | 2:00 a.m. – July 30 |
Forecast wave heights in these areas are expected to remain under one foot, but the strength and unpredictability of the currents still pose a significant threat to safety, especially for those in or near the water.
Boaters and mariners: Stay away from harbors
The marine warning includes a clear message for boaters: leave the harbor only if you’re already offshore and it is safe to do so. If in port, do not attempt to go to sea, and instead evacuate inland or to higher ground as directed.
Tsunami surges can create violent currents that damage moorings and vessels. Harbors may remain hazardous long after the initial wave.
Stay informed
This advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Updates will be issued as more data becomes available.
Residents are urged to:
- Tune into NOAA Weather Radio, local news, or www.tsunami.gov for updates
- Follow instructions from local emergency officials
- Stay away from coastal areas, harbors, and marinas
- Share information with neighbors and check on those who may need assistance
Stay vigilant through the night, as tsunami impacts can last for many hours.
