By Donna Westfall – January 23 2018 –
Tsunami Alert issued for West Coast. 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck 175 miles southeast of Kodiak, Alaska, shortly after midnight Alaska local time. Originally issued as 8.2 magnitude.
Tsunami warnings are in effect for southeast and south Alaska, including the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands, as well as British Columbia in Canada. Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is expected or occurring. Warnings indicate that widespread dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arriv
Tsunami watch is in effect for California, Oregon and Washington, according to the Tsunami Warning Center.
Recommended actions
Actions to protect human life and property willvary within tsunami warning areas. If you are in a tsunami warning area: Evacuate inland or to higher ground above and beyond designated tsunami hazard zones or move to an upper floor of a multi-story building depending on your situation.
If you are in a tsunami watch area: Prepare to take action and stay alert for further information. Additional Information and Next Update: The tsunami watch message will remain in effect until further notice.
The Tsunami that hit Crescent City in 1964 was as a result of a 9.2 magnitude earthquake in Prince William Sound region of Alaska.:
Tsunami watch CANCELLED for Crescent City, California 5:20 AM. PST. January 23rd per the Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services.
Ways to prepare and stay safe:
Cindy Henderson (OES) has many years of experience. Sounds like she made a sound decision to cancel the alarm and avoid undue panic in Crescent City. It’s nice to know there’s a modernized warning system in place for when we really need it, and an experienced person to evaluate whether an evacuation is warranted.