Tsunami Warning – Watch For Beach Cities in Southern California

A large earthquake with a final magnitude of 8.7 (initially reported as 8.0–8.8) struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula at around 4:24 p.m. Pacific Time (PST) on Tuesday.

Here is what that means for Southern California and the beach cities like Long Beach:

For the U.S. West Coast—including Long Beach, CA—initial tsunami watches were issued and subsequently upgraded to advisories by about 6:30 p.m. PT

🌀 What Does the Advisory Mean for Long Beach?

A tsunami advisory indicates that dangerous currents and waves are possible, and people should stay off beaches, piers, and harbors. It does not mean widespread flooding is expected, but strong and unexpected currents can be hazardous.

A TSUNAMI ADVISORY was issued for the California coast on 7/29/25 at 6:27 PM. The public should stay out of water and away from beaches and waterways. The National Tsunami Warning Center of Long Beach: The Center estimates potential tsunami impacts at 1:00 AM. Visit www.tsunami.gov for additional information.

⏱️ Estimated Arrival Times for Tsunami Waves

Based on models from the National Weather Service and tsunami centers:

• Fort Bragg: ~11:50 p.m. Tuesday
• Crescent City: ~11:55 p.m.
• Monterey: ~12:15 a.m. Wednesday
• San Francisco: ~12:40 a.m.
• Los Angeles Harbor & Long Beach: ~1:05 a.m. Wednesday
  • Newport Beach: ~1:10 a.m.
  • Oceanside/La Jolla: ~1:15 a.m.

A local Long Beach news outlet confirms waves are expected around 1:05 a.m. and likely to be under one foot above tide level, though currents may persist for about nine hours

🧭 Safety Guidance for Long Beach, Seal Beach, & Huntington Beach

Magnitude & location: The quake’s shallow depth (~12 miles) and magnitude significantly raised tsunami warning potential.

Scale of threat: Waves at Long Beach are expected to be minor, but strong currents could still pose danger to small craft and shoreline activity.

Recommended actions:

• Avoid water, beaches, and coastal infrastructure.
• Monitor updates from NOAA/National Weather Service.
• Do not assume it’s safe once the first wave passes—waves can continue intermittently for hours.

Get Prepared for A Tsunami like I covered on Earthquake Preparedness

What are 10 items in an emergency kit for an earthquake?

1. Water
2. Non-perishable food – perhaps some protein bars
3. Flashlight
4. Battery-powered radio
5. First aid kit
6. Whistle
7. Dust masks
8. Plastic sheeting and duct tape
9. Wrench or pliers
10. Local maps

#tsunami #tsunamiCalifornia