Tsunami warning in California; Know the time, impact as waves threaten LA, San Diego Bay Area

California’s entire coastline is under a tsunami advisory following a powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula late Tuesday(July 29). The advisory, issued by the US National Weather Service (NWS) and National Tsunami Warning Center, warns of strong ocean currents, hazardous surf, and potential coastal flooding across regions from Fort Bragg to San Diego.

Although no mandatory evacuations have been ordered, officials are urging residents and visitors in coastal communities to remain away from beaches, marinas, and harbors as tsunami waves begin to arrive along the West Coast.

Estimated wave arrival times in California

According to the National Tsunami Warning Center, waves generated by the quake could begin reaching California’s coastline as early as 11:50 pm PDT on July 29, progressing southward through major population centers:

• Fort Bragg – 11:50 pm PDT
• Crescent City – 11:55 pm PDT
• Monterey – 12:15 am PDT (July 30)
• Port San Luis – 12:35 am PDT
• San Francisco – 12:40 am PDT
• Santa Barbara – 12:50 am PDT
• Los Angeles Harbor – 1:05 am PDT
• Newport Beach – 1:10 am PDT
• Oceanside & La Jolla – 1:15 am PDT

Waves may persist in pulses for hours after the first arrival, with the strongest impacts possibly occurring during later surges.

What to expect

While California is thousands of miles from the epicenter, tsunamis generated by major seismic events can cross the Pacific in a matter of hours. Forecast models predict the following potential wave impacts:

• Port San Luis – up to 3.2 feet
• Santa Barbara – between 0.9 and 1.7 feet
• Los Angeles & San Diego – under 1 foot, though dangerous currents remain likely

Authorities emphasize that even relatively small waves can pose significant danger, particularly near inlets, harbors, and piers, where currents and surges are intensified. Tsunamis often arrive in multiple waves, and the first wave is not always the largest.

Safety guidelines: What you should do now

With the tsunami advisory in effect and wave activity expected between 11:50 pm and 1:15 am PDT, officials are urging the public to act with caution:

• Stay away from beaches, marinas, and harbors. Do not attempt to watch the waves.
• Move inland and to higher ground if you’re in a low-lying or flood-prone area.
• Use California’s interactive tsunami hazard maps to identify evacuation zones and escape routes.
• Stay tuned to official updates from the US Tsunami Warning Center, NOAA, and local emergency management.
• Prepare to shelter in place or evacuate if instructed by local authorities.

Residents are reminded that tsunami conditions can persist for 10 to 36 hours, with dangerous rip currents and surges lasting long after the first wave has passed.

While no evacuation orders are currently in place, the tsunami advisory signals a credible threat of strong coastal currents and minor flooding in some areas. California officials are monitoring the situation closely and will issue further guidance as new data becomes available.

Do not underestimate the risk. Avoid coastal areas, follow emergency instructions, and remain alert throughout the night.

For real-time updates, visit tsunami.gov, follow your local emergency agencies, or tune in to NOAA Weather Radio.