Tsunami

Tsunami Advisory
Statement as of 5:42 PM PDT on September 29, 2009

... A tsunami advisory is in effect for Orange County and San Diego
County coastal areas...

There is no Tsunami Watch or warning in effect at this time for
the extreme southwestern California coast. However... dangerous
currents and surges are possible in the local harbors and bays.

Forecasts indicate that a tsunami with amplitudes in the range of 15
to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) is expected along the Southern
California coast.

The tsunami threat is forecast to begin in coastal San Diego and
Orange counties around 916 PM this evening... then build to its
maximum height between 1015 and 1045 PM before subsiding.

Coastal residents are advised to stay out of the water... off the
beach... and away from harbors and marinas. Wave heights and
currents are amplified by irregular shoreline and are difficult to
predict. The initial wave may not be the largest. Later waves may
be larger. Mariners in water deeper than 600 feet should not be
affected.

A 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 the advisory. Currents may be hazardous to
swimmers... boat... and coastal structures and may continue for
several hours after the initial wave arrival.

The tsunami advisory is a result of the 8.0 earthquake that occurred
at 10:48 am PDT near the samoan islands.

Stay tuned to your local media source or NOAA Weather Radio for
later developments.

Source