Thread: SAN DIEGO Tsunami advisory issued UPDATED

Tsunami advisory issued locally

By Michele Clock, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 9:05 a.m.

A tsunami advisory has been issued for the coastal areas of California, including in San Diego County, due to a 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck late Friday night near in Chile.

Strong currents are expected along the shorelines with the potential for some minor inundation, according to the National Weather Service. La Jolla was expected to get 2.3 foot waves around noon.

The National Weather Service said people should move out of the water, off the beach and out of harbors and marinas.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010 ... ry-issued/

USCG News Release
Date: February 27, 2010
Contact: Jetta H. Disco
(619) 278-7023

U.S. Coast Guard advises Southern California of Tsunami, Storm

SAN DIEGO - The Coast Guard and National Weather Service advise San Diego County of severe marine weather resulting from an earthquake driven Tsunami and a cold front now sweeping across Southern California.

A Tsunami advisory is in effect for San Diego County coastal areas as a result of a magnitude 8.8 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Chile, though at the moment there is only an advisory. This means means that a Tsunami is capable of producing strong currents or waves that can be dangerous to people in or very near the water is imminent or expected.

Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures causing severe damage, which may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival. According to the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, if a tsunami hits the West Coast, the first waves would reach La Jolla, Calif., near San Diego.

For more information about the Tsunami visit: NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

In addition to the Tsunami advisory, the NWS has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of severe marine weather, affecting Southern California through 2 a.m. Monday.

The San Diego coast is experiencing its fair share of the winter season as yet another storm moves across an area widely known for having some of the best weather in the nation.

A strong Pacific cold front will impact areas along the San Diego coast bringing wind, periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms, possible waterspouts, and high surf.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that people avoid going near beaches or other low-lying coastal areas, especially jetties and rocky areas. Large waves can quickly and unexpectedly sweep a person from these areas. Even the strongest swimmers can quickly be overtaken by the power of the sea, especially when cold-water temperatures are factored in.

For more information on weather conditions in the San Diego area, please visit: National Weather Service advisories.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/830/488555/

Earthquake video at

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010 ... uake_N.htm

Tidal surge reported in La Jolla

Originally published February 27, 2010 at 9:05 a.m.,
updated February 27, 2010 at 1:32 p.m.

San Diego lifeguards reported sighting a tsunami shortly after noon off the coast of La Jolla on Saturday, triggered by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile.

Authorities had issued a tsunami advisory for the coast of California, including San Diego County, for noon to 2 p.m.

Over a 10- to 15-minute period starting at noon, lifeguards saw the ocean water recede and then return as outgoing and incoming tides, said San Diego lifeguard Lt. John Everhart.

Normally, such a tidal flow would last several hours. No injuries or coastal damage was reported, Everhart said. The tidal surge was reported in the Bird Rock and La Jolla reef areas.

A Navy spokesman said its ships were advised to leave the San Diego Harbor and go out to sea as a “precautionary measure.â€