Large earthquake off of California leads to tsunami warning on Oregon coast

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the California coastA tsunami warning was issued over portions of the Oregon and California coasts Thursday morning.

Around 40 miles off the coast of California, close to Petrolia, and at a depth of less than half a mile, the earthquake struck at 10:44 a.m.

According to the National Weather Service, waves might start in Charleston at 11:40 a.m., Brookings at 11:25 a.m., and Port Orford at 11:20 a.m.

At a press conference on Thursday, Christine Goulet, Director of the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Science Center, stated that aftershocks are to be expected whenever there is a significant earthquake.

“Drop cover and hold on if there are aftershocks,” she said.

According to Goulet, whenever you experience shaking or receive a warning that shaking might start, it’s critical to shield yourself from falling things.

From 10:49 to 11:49 a.m., the south central Oregon coast and the Curry County coast are under a tsunami warning. It is ten miles southwest of Florence and ten miles northwest of Santa Cruz.

The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning on Thursday, indicating that a tsunami with substantial flooding is either imminent or currently happening. Many hours after they first appear, a sequence of waves known as a tsunami can be dangerous. Perhaps the initial wave isn’t the biggest.

The following actions are advised by authorities if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone:


  • Evacuate inland or to higher ground above and beyond designated tsunami hazard zones or move to an upper floor of a multi-story building depending on your situation.

  • Move out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets.

  • Be alert to and follow instructions from your local emergency officials because they may have more detailed or specific information for your location.

  • If you feel a strong earthquake or extended ground rolling take immediate protective actions such as moving inland and/or uphill preferably by foot.

  • Boat operators:


    • Where time and conditions permit, move your boat out to sea to a depth of at least 180 feet.

    • If at sea avoid entering shallow water, harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets to avoid floating and submerged debris and strong currents.

  • Do not go to the shore to observe the tsunami.

  • Do not return to the coast until local emergency officials indicate it is safe to do so.

  • Where time and conditions permit, move your boat out to sea to a depth of at least 180 feet.

  • If at sea avoid entering shallow water, harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets to avoid floating and submerged debris and strong currents.
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On Thursday morning, all beach access points in Oregon’s state parks were blocked until further notice.

This tale is still in progress and will be updated.

Lizzy Acker writes the advice column and covers Oregon weather. Why, Tho?Contact her at [email protected], 503-221-8052, or @lizzzyacker.Your support is essential to our journalism. Sign up for OregonLive.com now.

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