Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Maps: Pacific Tsunami Forecasting

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

The massive early-morning quake off the coast of Chile has dozens of Pacific-bordering nations on alert as the shifting of plates are causing tsunami conditions in the water. The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued an advisory for the North American West Coast, though it is important to note that while the effects can be dangerous, they are not expected to be devastating here:

Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

Wave heights in Southern California will most likely be in the 2-4 foot range, and last 30 minutes to 2 hours. In a live press conference, President Barack Obama spoke of America's readiness to aid Chile in the relief and recovery if needed, and for residents in areas of the U.S. to heed orders issued by local authorities regarding tsunami activity.Here are some different maps from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that illustrate the scope of this global event.

Previously
Tsunami Advisory Issued for California Coast After Chile Quake
Series of Small Earthquakes Strike Central California as Huge Quakes Rock Japan and Chile

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today