California: Tsunami Advisory is in effect due to 8.8 quake in Chile

 UPDATE: Tsunami Advisory: Max wave variation in California Southern & Central coastlines expected to be 2' max. less expected.

CA Tsunami Times: PORT SAN LUIS HARBOR-1235 PM/ SANTA BARBARA HARBOR-1231 PM /SANTA MONICA HARBOR-1225 PM/SAN PEDRO HARBOR-1215 PM
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U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and British Columbia coastal regions
From: NOAA/NWS/West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
Subject: Tsunami Advisory #5 issued 02/27/2010 at 2:55AM PST

A Tsunami Advisory is in effect which includes the coastal areas of California from the California-Mexico border to the Oregon-California border.

A Tsunami Advisory is in effect which includes the coastal areas of Alaska from Kodiak, Alaska to Attu, Alaska.
This message is for Information Only for coastal areas of Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Alaska from the Oregon-California border to Kodiak, Alaska.

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

At 10:34 PM Pacific Standard Time on February 26, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 8.8 occurred near the coast of central Chile . (Refer to the United States Geological Survey for official earthquake parameters.) This earthquake has generated a tsunami which could cause damage to coastal regions in a warning or advisory. The waves are expected to first reach La Jolla, California at 0:02 PM PST on February 27. Estimated tsunami arrival times and maps along with safety rules and other information can be found on the WCATWC web site.

A tsunami has been observed at the following sites:

Location Lat. Lon. Time Amplitude
------------------------ ----- ------ ------- -----------

42min Antofagasta 23.3S 70.4W 0813UTC 0.46M/1.5ft
40min Iquique Chil 20.2S 70.2W 0848UTC 0.30M/ 1.0FT
28min Coquimbo Chi 29.9S 71.3W 0903UTC 1.27M/4.2 FT
40min Caldera Chil 27.1S 70.8W 0745UTC 0.52M/1.7 FT
47min Corral Chile 39.9S 73.4W 1013UTC 1.54M/5.1FT
40min Talcahuano C 36.7S 73.1W 0659UTC 1.89M/6.3FT
42min Valparaiso C 33.0S 71.4W 0859UTC 2.60M/8.7 FT
16min San Felix Ch 26.3S 80.1W 0808UTC 0.81M/2.7 FT

Time - Time of measurement.
Amp. - Tsunami amplitudes are measured relative to normal sea level. It is NOT crest-to-trough wave height. Values are given in both meters (M) and feet (FT).

Tsunamis can be dangerous waves that are not survivable. Wave heights are amplified by irregular shoreline and are difficult to forecast. Tsunamis often appear as a strong surge and may be preceded by a receding water level. Mariners in water deeper than 600 feet should not be affected by a tsunami. Wave heights will increase rapidly as water shallows. Tsunamis are a series of ocean waves which can be dangerous for several hours after the initial wave arrival. DO NOT return to evacuated areas until an all clear is given by local civil authorities.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach, Hawaii will issue messages for Hawaii and other areas of the Pacific outside the states and provinces listed above.

This message will be updated in 60 minutes or sooner if the situation warrants. The tsunami message will remain in effect until further notice. For further information stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, your local TV or radio stations, or see the WCATWC web site.