UPDATED: If you would like to make a donation to the American Red Cross, your gift will support the disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami throughout the Pacific.
UPDATED: The Tsunami Advisory that was issued for Los Angeles County coastal areas following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake has ended.
A Tsunami Advisory has been issued by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) West Coast Alaska Warning Center located in Palmer, Alaska, for the Los Angeles County coastal areas following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Japan.
An advisory means that a tsunami is capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected. Significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory, but these strong currents could affect possibly local conditions, including swimming, coastal structures and small crafts.
The current intelligence indicates three-foot surge may impact the coastlines of Los Angeles County. The impact of this event has the potential to lasting 10-12 hours beginning at 8 a.m. PST and up till 5-7 p.m. PST. Mariners are advised to use caution and monitor the National Weather Service (NWS) Tsunami Warning website along with news updates. Persons in the tsunami advisory coastal areas should move out of the water, stay off the beach and proceed to higher ground areas. Those in harbors and marinas should follow U.S. Coast Guard and Harbor Master recommendations.
At the present time, there are no closures of Los Angeles County beach areas and no additional emergency actions have been recommended at this time. The Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) with support from the Department of Beaches and Harbors will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA). Los Angeles County Fire Lifeguard Operations in Santa Monica has not closed any beaches, but will be on patrol and advises beach patrons to be safe and to refrain from going into the waters.
To find out more information on tsunamis and how to prepare for them, please visit www.espfocus.org or www.noaawatch.gov.