Tsunami Advisory canceled for Oregon, Washington after undersea volcanic eruption
PORTLAND, Ore. — A Tsunami Advisory was issued for the U.S. West Coast much of the day Saturday after an undersea volcano erupted near the Pacific nation of Tonga.
"A tsunami capable of producing strong currents that may be hazardous to boats is expected," the National Weather Service - Portland said Saturday morning. saying waves anywhere from 1 to 3 feet could hit the Oregon and Washington coastline.
By about 4:30 p.m., NWS officials said the advisory was canceled, with "no additional tsunami danger" for the area.
However, forecasters added that some places on the coast could still see strong currents and small sea-level changes.
Forecasters said the largest waves had spared the Oregon coast, as compared to areas farther south in California.
It still remains unclear if higher waves will hit the OR & WA coastline. Continue to use caution along the coast. It remains best to avoid beaches.
The highest tsunami wave observations as of roughly noon Saturday were:
- .8 ft at Charleston, OR
- .7 ft at Newport, OR
- .2 ft at Astoria, OR
- .5 ft at Westport, WA
- 1.1 ft at La Push, WA
Under a tsunami advisory, officials say waves could create strong currents that pose a threat to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures, however, they do not expect widespread flooding.
While the waves were set to reach Oregon and Washington between 8 and 9 a.m. Saturday, officials said the highest waves might not have been during the initial wave arrival.
On Tonga, video posted to social media showed large waves washing ashore in coastal areas, swirling around homes and buildings.
New Zealand's military said it was monitoring the situation and remained on standby, ready to assist if asked.
Satellite images showed a huge eruption, a plume of ash, steam and gas rising like a mushroom above the blue Pacific waters.
The Associated Press reportsthat in Hawaii, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported waves slamming ashore from a foot in Nawiliwili, Kauai, to 2.7 feet in Hanalei.
“We are relieved that there is no reported damageand only minor flooding throughout the islands,” the center said, describing the situation in Hawaii.
This is a developing story; updates will be posted as information comes in.
**The Associated Press contributed to this story.