LIVE UPDATES: Tsunami warnings, watches, advisories were given to 1/4 of the Earth after 8.8 quake

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Last updated: Thursday, July 31, 2025 11:56AM GMT
Tsunami warnings, watches, advisories were given to 1/4th of the earth

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A tsunami sent waves into Russia, Japan, Hawaii and the West Coast of the United States after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Russian Far East early Wednesday.

RELATED: California hit with tsunami waves after massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake

The quake was one of the biggest temblors ever recorded. Several people were injured, but none seriously, and no major damage has been reported so far.

The danger already appeared to be subsiding in some places, with authorities in Hawaii and parts of Japan and Russia downgrading their warnings. But Chile upgraded its warning to the highest level for most of its lengthy Pacific coast, and said it was evacuating hundreds of people.

Tsunami waves reached the San Francisco coast early Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Despite the strong current and dangerous waves, they are only expected to increase by about one-to-two feet in the region.

A Tsunami Advisory has been canceled for the Central Coast of California, including the entire Bay Area.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Bay City News logo
Jul 30, 2025, 12:22 PM GMT

Tsunami waves arrive at San Francisco coast

Tsunami waves reached the San Francisco coast early Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service, as California coastal communities continue to monitor rising wave activity following a massive offshore earthquake off Russia.

The initial tsunami activity in San Francisco was detected at 1:12 a.m., the NWS said on social media posts.

The Northern California tsunami activity began in Crescent City and Humboldt Bay around 12:45 a.m. Tsunami waves then reached Monterey at 12:50 a.m.

Forecasters warn that waves will likely build through the night and become more dangerous near high tide. No major damage has been reported, as of 1:30 a.m.

The National Tsunami Warning Center issued a Tsunami Advisory on Tuesday evening after a powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. The advisory covers coastal areas from Mendocino County to Monterey County.

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services has deployed rescue teams to Del Norte and San Luis Obispo counties.

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Jul 30, 2025, 12:22 PM GMT

Tsunami-driven tides build in northern California

Tsunami activity continued to build in northern California as high tide approached Wednesday morning with maximum confirmed heights along the coast of 3.6 feet in Crescent City, 3.0 feet in Arena Cove and 1.2 feet in Humboldt Bay, according to the National Weather Service office in Eureka.

The measurements in Crescent City and Arena Cove were high enough to create minor coastal flooding and inundation, the weather service said on social media, adding that tsunami activity will persist and people should avoid beaches and harbors.

Crescent City officials warned on social media that higher surges could arrive around high tide and could affect lower-lying areas.

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Jul 30, 2025, 12:22 PM GMT

Hawaii and parts of Japan downgrade tsunami warnings

Hawaii and parts of Japan downgraded tsunami warnings, with Hawaii lifting evacuation orders across the state while leaving a tsunami advisory in place.

Officials in Hawaii said residents who had evacuated could return to their homes.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, the Adjutant General of the State of Hawaii Department of Defense, said an advisory means there is the potential for strong currents and dangerous waves, as well as flooding on beaches or in harbors.

Bay City News logo
Jul 30, 2025, 6:00 AM GMT

Berkeley asking residents to secure boats

The city of Berkeley is advising residents with boats to secure them Tuesday night due to the tsunami advisory affecting the California coast.

The tsunami surge is expected to arrive in San Francisco Bay at 12:40 a.m. Wednesday morning, the city said. The surge is expected to be less than 1 foot tall, but could create strong waves and currents at the Berkeley Marina.

According to the city, California has monitored this specific tsunami and has assigned Berkeley a "Phase 1," meaning that the state does not recommend evacuation of boats and docks for this event.

For people who live on their boat, the DoubleTree Hotel is offering rooms to berthers at a discounted rate of $75, the city said.

The National Tsunami Warning Center issued a Tsunami Advisory for the California Coast on Tuesday evening, including coastal areas spanning from Mendocino to Monterey counties, after an 8.8 magnitude quake struck off the coast of Russian's Kamchatka Peninsula.