No Tsunami Activity Expected on West Coast After 8.0 Earthquake in Pacific Ocean

A village woman sits amongst aid boxes in her tent surrounded by ruins in Vaigalu, Samoa, after a tsunami hit Samoa, causing death and destruction last Tuesday (AP Photo/New Zealand Herald, Greg Bowker)

An 8.0 earthquake off the Vanatu Islands today prompted various tsunami watches and warnings in the South Pacific and a tsunami advisory for Hawaii. However, California and the rest of the West Coast, including Alaska, have not been put under any notifications from government officials, as of 4:27 p.m. PST.

Last week, an 8.0 quake struck off American Samoa, leaving hundreds dead and Los Angeles with a tsunami advisory that produced some... waves. See maps here of city of Los Angeles evacuation areas if a tsunami warning is ever issued.

The National Weather Service clearly differentiates between advisory, watch and warning. If a warning is in effect, pay attention, it might mean you need to get moving fast. A watch means something is possible and "is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so." Advisories can cause an inconvenience and potential harm if you don't listen.