Community Corner
San Juan in the Clear from Potential Tsunami Impacts
A 1.7-foot wave is expected to arrive in Laguna Beach between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m.
A tsunami advisory has been issued for coastal areas of Southern California after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan at 9:46 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.
The tsunami advisory is in effect for California from the California-Mexico border to Point Concepcion. According to the National Weather Service, a Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures.
While the tsunami advisory created a flurry of activity overnight—with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department setting up emergency operation centers in various beach cities—Lt. John Meyer said Friday morning that there aren’t expected to be any impacts here in San Juan Capistrano.
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Although the 8.9 earthquake in Japan is beyond comprehension in size, the forecasted tsunami should be less than 2 feet on our adjacent coastline," said Michael Cantor, San Juan's safety and emergency services manager.
In Southern California, this threat is expected to begin between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. today. A tsunami advisory means wave heights are forecast to be from 1 foot to approximately 3 feet.
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The initial wave arrival would begin within 30 minutes of the times listed below:
San Pedro Harbor ... at 8:32 am
La Jolla ... at 8:41 a.m. PST.
Forecast tsunami wave heights this morning:
Huntington Beach ... 2.0 feet
Laguna Beach ... 1.7 feet
La Jolla ... 2.3 feet
San Diego Navy pier ... 1.0 feet
North Imperial Beach ... 2.2 feet
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