Waves from Japan quake will hit California coast after 8 a.m.

LOS ANGELES — The National Weather Service today issued a tsunami advisory for the immediate coast of Southern and Central California because of the magnitude 8.9 earthquake that struck Japan.

A tsunami warning was in effect as of 1:50 a.m. from Point Conception on the central California coast near Santa Barbara to the Oregon-Washington border.

Tsunami-related waves may occur in San Pedro at 8:32 a.m., Santa Monica at 8:39 a.m. and Newport Beach at 8:45 a.m. according to the National Weather Service.

Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival. Coastal residents in the watch area should prepare for possible evacuation, officials said.

Los Angeles County coastal residents are advised to stay away from currents, says Sgt. Ron Walker of Manhattan Beach Police Department.

The tsunami could cause some unusually high tides, Cindi Preller of the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center told Fox11.

Officials may clear beaches as a precaution and the situation on the California coast might be similar to the aftermath of last year's Chile earthquake that caused some small waves but no major damage.

Source: Press Telegram

Update:

Estimated arrival times:

PORT SAN LUIS HARBOR 8:09 a.m.

SANTA BARBARA HARBOR 8:17 a.m.

SANTA MONICA: 8:32 a.m.

SAN PEDRO 8:32 a.m.

NEWPORT BEACH 8:45 a.m.

LA JOLLA 8:48 a.m.

Officials don't expect the waves to cause damage. But as a precaution, officials are likely to urge people to avoid beach areas.

Officials said people living in low-lying coastal areas should seek higher ground as a precaution and listen for special instructions from emergency agencies. Unusual wave action from the quake might last for several hours.

Source: LA Times