TOKYO, Japan—While many Californians were asleep on Thursday night, an earthquake estimated to be at 8.9 on the Richter scale hit the nation of Japan. Initially, California officials were on alert for potential tsunamis for the coastal regions, which include Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and even as far south of the state in San Diego County. Officials in the state and the National Weather Service work around the clock whenever earthquakes hit regions in the world that could have an affect on the safety and security of California residents and property as well as around the United States.
The State of Hawaii remains on alert and the earthquake damage throughout Japan is being investigated. After a careful examination of the potential threat of tsunamis, the National Weather Service released most of the state of California from any threat, including our region, but did initially include the California coast north of Point Conception, and an advisory for the region to the south, including San Diego County.
The initial energy from the tsunami produced by the Japan quake is expected to reach La Jolla at 8:41 a.m. on Friday, about 45 minutes after a -1.0 low tide. Surfline.com is reporting. Also stating that before the quake and tsunami occurred that Friday’s waves will be in the 2 feet to 3 feet range in San Diego County.
By 4 a.m. Friday morning, the weather services were reporting no advisory or warning for the coast of California. In Japan, government officials stated they were still trying to assess damages. Aftershocks and further tsunamis are in store for the beleaguered nation. Warnings still exist for Russia, China, Taiwan and many nations in or near the Asian peninsula.
