PORT ANGELES — A tsunami advisory has been issued for the outer Washington coast, including La Push, Port Angeles, and Port Townsend, following a powerful undersea earthquake in the Pacific near Russia. The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed a tsunami has been generated and is urging residents along the coast to be alert for strong currents and wave activity.
Key Washington Locations and Forecasts
- La Push: First wave expected around 11:35 p.m. PDT
- Neah Bay: Forecast arrival 11:40 p.m., wave height less than 1 foot
- Moclips: Possible waves of 0.8 to 1.4 feet, duration ~9 hours
- Port Angeles: Forecast arrival 12:20 a.m. PDT, height < 1 foot
- Port Townsend: Forecast arrival 12:45 a.m. PDT, height < 1 foot
While the tsunami is not expected to cause major inundation, the advisory means strong currents and dangerous wave activity are likely in harbors and along beaches. Officials stress that even small surges can be hazardous to swimmers, boaters, and coastal infrastructure.
No Immediate Evacuations, But Caution Urged
The advisory does not call for full-scale evacuations. However, people in low-lying areas or near the coast are advised to:
- Stay off beaches, docks, and harbors
- Avoid boating and marine activities overnight
- Follow updates from local emergency managers
Background
The tsunami was triggered by a large earthquake near Samalga Pass, Alaska, approximately 30 miles southwest of Nikolski. The Aleutian Islands from Samalga Pass to Attu remain under a Tsunami Warning, with estimated wave heights up to 5.6 feet.
Nearby areas, including British Columbia, Oregon, and California, are also under tsunami advisories with wave heights mostly under 2 feet, except Crescent City, CA, which may see waves exceeding 5 feet.
What’s Next?
The National Weather Service will continue monitoring the situation and issue updates as more data becomes available. The tsunami activity in Washington could persist for several hours overnight into early Wednesday, primarily through unpredictable currents and minor wave action.
Stay Informed
Residents in Clallam and Jefferson Counties—especially those near the Pacific coast and Strait of Juan de Fuca—should stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, local alerts, and official websites for instructions and real-time updates.
For emergency alerts in your area:
- WA Emergency Management: mil.wa.gov/alerts
- NOAA Tsunami Info: tsunami.gov