Community Corner

Tsunami Advisory Issued for Beaches

After a massive earthquake in Japan leads to a tsunami, the National Weather Service issues an alert for Southern California.

(Updated at 4:48 p.m.): No problems have been reported in Manhattan Beach since a county-wide tsunami advisory was issued Friday morning.

The local coastline appeared clear Friday afternoon as hardly any unusual tsunami-generated waves hit the area.

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A massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan on Friday could send high tides, waves and currents to the Southern California coastline, including here in Manhattan Beach, according to officials.

The National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory for the area early Friday. 

Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Manhattan Beach Pier as well as the lower north and south pier lots and El Porto and 26th lots have been closed and people are being asked to stay off the beaches, though damage is not expected in Manhattan Beach, according to an official report. The city has activated its Emergency Operation Center on a limited basis.

A two- to three-foot tidal surge is predicted to hit Manhattan beaches sometime between 8:30 and 9 a.m. this morning, occurring at low tide.

Los Angeles County coastal residents are encouraged to stay away from currents, Manhattan Beach police Sgt. Ron Walker told news services.

Currents could be hazardous to swimmers, surfers, and boats. 

Wave heights are expected to reach between two and three feet along the Southern California coast from Santa Barbara to Long Beach, according to the National Weather Service

They might continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival, which is predicted to be around 8:30 a.m. Friday (see accompanying National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration graphic).

The earthquake in Japan unleashed a monster 10-meter high tsunami that destroyed buildings and sent ships crashing into the shoreline. 

As more information is released, Patch will report it.

— City News Service contributed to this story.


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