by Tsunami alerts have been issued across the U.S. West Coast—including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii—following a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The NWS emphasizes that tsunamis can travel across entire ocean basins, carrying immense destructive power. These tidal waves are among the most powerful and damaging natural events on Earth, the agency warns.
Earthquake Details
The earthquake struck the Kamchatka region around 7:24 p.m. ET and was quickly upgraded to magnitude 8.8 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Following this event, multiple U.S. coastal regions were placed under tsunami watches, advisories, or warnings.
Tsunami Forecast and Estimated Wave Arrivals
Alaska
- Shemya: Forecast begins at 4:40 p.m. AKDT
- Projected Wave Heights: 3 feet to 5.6 feet
Washington
- La Push: Waves expected around 11:35 p.m. PT
- Moclips: Estimated wave heights between 0.8 feet to 1.4 feet
Oregon
- Port Orford: Forecast begins at 11:40 p.m. PT
- Projected Wave Heights: 1.1 feet to 2 feet
- Brookings: 1 foot to 1.8 feet
California
- Fort Bragg: Forecast begins at 11:50 p.m. PT
- Crescent City: Could see waves between 3.1 feet and 5.7 feet
Hawaii
- Advisories are in effect, with wave arrival times and heights to be updated by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Coastal residents are urged to monitor local alerts.
What Happens Next
Residents along coastal areas are strongly urged to avoid beaches, harbors, and low-lying coastal regions until the threat passes. Emergency management agencies recommend staying tuned to official updates from the NWS and local authorities.
