Orange County beaches closed, West Coast under tsunami advisory after Pacific volcano eruption – Orange County Register

Orange County beaches were closed and a tsunami advisory for Hawaii and the US West Coast was issued after a spectacular undersea volcano erupted near the Pacific nation of Tonga. Saturday, causing massive tsunamis to hit the shore and people rushing to higher ground.

The arrival time for any tsunami to hit Orange County is 7:50 a.m., the National Weather Service said. It advises people to move away from beaches and away from harbors and marinas, and not go to the coast for the view. NWS says tsunamis can create dangerous currents for hours.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department sent a public safety alert at 7:18 a.m. advisory announcing that Orange County’s beaches and harbors were closed. Seal Beach closes beaches at 6am on Saturdays

** A Tsunami Notice has been issued for the US West Coast, including San Diego County and Orange County. Arrival wave time: 7:50 am this morning **

A tsunami is expected with the potential to generate strong currents dangerous to swimmers, boats and coastal structures.

– NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 15, 2022

“A tsunami has the potential to generate strong currents that endanger swimmers, boats and coastal structures,” the NWS wrote in a Tweet.

As of 8:50 a.m., no abnormalities at the beaches or damage have been reported.

Newport Beach Police Chief Brian O’Rourke said earlier that lifeguards and police had kept people on the beach and closed two of the city’s jetties and the entrance to the harbor.

“We’re just going to go up and warn people at this point,” he said.

Similar warnings about staying away from beaches and harbors were issued in Los Angeles County, though officials did not say those areas were closed.

On conference calls in the morning, he said Hawaii reported an increase in surf of 36 inches and had some strong currents for several hours.

“We’re being advised at the moment, out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the community,” he said.

Most likely, the shutdown will last until 10am, although it could be extended if updates are released. They are also looking at low-lying areas at risk of flooding, like the Balboa peninsula.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or the extent of damage as communication with the tiny country of Tonga remained cut off hours after the eruption occurred.

In Hawaii, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported waves from half a meter (one foot) ashore in Nawiliwili, Kauai, to 80 centimeters (2.7 feet) in Hanalei.

“We are relieved that there are no reports of damage and only minor flooding across the islands,” the center said.

What is that #tsunami wake up when there is a tsunami announcement? Think of them more as surges, which upon arrival can create dangerous currents for hours. Harbors and marinas will also experience these surges. See more at https://t.co/h1CR82bF8o.

– NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 15, 2022

On Tonga, video posted on social media showed large waves washing ashore in coastal areas, slamming into homes and buildings.

# Tsunami information for #SoCal pic.twitter.com/bcsaiuPBbX

– NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) January 15, 2022

The New Zealand Army said it was monitoring the situation and remained on standby, ready to assist if required.

Satellite images show a massive eruption, a plume of ash, water vapor and gas mushrooming over the Pacific blue waters.

The Tonga Meteorological Department said a tsunami warning had been issued for the entire archipelago and data from the Pacific tsunami center showed waves 80 centimeters (2.7 feet) high had been detected. .

Residents of American Samoa were warned by local television stations of a tsunami warning as well as church bells ringing throughout the territory. The outdoor horn warning system has stopped working. Those who lived along the coast quickly moved to higher ground.

There is currently a Tsunami Notice for the City of Newport Beach. Can come from 7:30 to 8:00 am. Newport Beach beaches and piers will be closed until further notice. There is no evacuation order. https://t.co/6pdAV3bLvF

– City of Newport Beach (@newportbeachgov) January 15, 2022

As night fell, there were no reports of damage and the Hawaii-based tsunami center canceled its warning.

Authorities in the nearby island nations of Fiji and Samoa also issued warnings, advising people to stay away from the coast due to strong currents and dangerous waves. The Japan Meteorological Agency said there could be a slight rise in water along Japan’s coasts, but no damage.

This is the current view of Crescent Bay. You can see the Pillar Point Harbor Patrol in the distance. #CaWx #California @sanmateoco @SMharbor @NWSBayArea pic.twitter.com/z5HHnECtTE

– CAL FIRE CZU (@CALFIRECZU) January 15, 2022

Islands Business news site reported that a convoy of police and military vehicles evacuated King Tupou VI of Tonga from his palace near the shore. He was among the many inhabitants headed for higher ground.

Hunga Tonga Volcanic Explosion Hunga Ha’apai is the latest in a series of spectacular eruptions.

A Twitter user identified as Dr Faka’iloatonga Taumoefolau posted a video showing waves crashing against the shore.

“Can literally hear the eruption of the volcano, which sounds pretty intense,” he wrote, adding in a later post: “Rain of ash and small pebbles, darkness whitened the sky.”

Earlier, the Matangi Tonga news site reported that scientists had observed large explosions.