Local News
Final Update from the National Tsunami Warning Center: All Clear Issued
UPDATE: As of 11:54 AM PST on Thursday, December 5, 2024, the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, has officially canceled the tsunami warning for the coastal areas of California and Oregon.
Key Updates:
- Tsunami Warning Canceled: The threat of a tsunami has been lifted for all affected areas along the U.S. West Coast, including California and Oregon.
- No Observations of Tsunami Activity: No tsunami waves have been observed or reported during this event.
- Safety Recommendations: Residents are advised not to return to hazard zones until clearance is given by local emergency officials. This precaution ensures continued safety as authorities assess the situation.
- No Recorded Impacts: No destructive tsunami waves occurred, and there is no ongoing tsunami danger for the U.S. West Coast, British Columbia, or Alaska.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions, but the immediate threat has passed. Residents and travelers in the affected regions are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow any additional guidance from local officials.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of California and Oregon after a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
The tsunami warning encompasses coastal regions from Davenport, California, located 10 miles north of Santa Cruz, to the Douglas/Lane Line in Oregon, approximately 10 miles southwest of Florence. This includes a broad stretch of coastline, including the San Francisco Bay Area.
Residents in the affected zones are being urged to immediately move inland to higher ground for safety. Tsunami waves with significant potential for dangerous inundation are either already occurring or could arrive imminently.
The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens has announced its closure in response to the ongoing national weather emergency and the tsunami warning currently in effect.
All guests have been safely evacuated, and the zoo’s animals have been secured in accordance with emergency protocols. Additionally, staff members have relocated to higher ground to ensure their safety.
The zoo remains committed to the well-being of its visitors, staff, and animals during this critical situation. Further updates regarding reopening will be provided as conditions stabilize.
Authorities stress that the first wave may not be the largest, and tsunami activity can persist for many hours after the initial wave arrives.
The earthquake occurred at 10:44 AM Pacific Standard Time on December 5, 2024, approximately 45 miles southwest of Eureka, California. It registered a preliminary magnitude of 7.3, prompting swift activation of tsunami protocols.
The NWS has provided estimated arrival times for tsunami waves at key coastal locations:
- Fort Bragg, California: 11:10 AM PST, December 5
- Crescent City, California: 11:22 AM PST, December 5
- Port Orford, Oregon: 11:30 AM PST, December 5
- Brookings, Oregon: 11:36 AM PST, December 5
- Coos Bay, Oregon: 11:44 AM PST, December 5
- San Francisco, California: 12:10 PM PST, December 5
Safety Instructions
Residents in the affected areas should follow these precautions:
- Move to Higher Ground: Immediately evacuate to areas of higher elevation away from the coast.
- Stay Informed: Monitor official communications from the NWS and local emergency management for updates.
- Avoid the Coast: Do not attempt to watch the waves or return to the shore until authorities declare the area safe.
Additional Information
The tsunami warning will remain in effect until further notice. Residents and visitors in the affected regions are encouraged to visit tsunami.gov for the latest updates and detailed guidance.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and emphasize the importance of heeding evacuation orders to protect lives.
A dramatic plane crash unfolded in Victoria, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon when a small aircraft struck at least three vehicles while descending onto a busy highway. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred shortly after 3 p.m.
The crash happened at the intersection of Zac Lentz Parkway and Mockingbird Lane.
Victoria police were dispatched immediately following reports of the accident. Initial footage from the scene captured the moment the plane collided with three vehicles on the highway, causing significant damage.
At this time, authorities have not confirmed the number or severity of injuries sustained by the occupants of the vehicles or the plane. Emergency response teams were on-site assessing the situation and providing medical assistance.
The intersection of Zac Lentz Parkway and Mockingbird Lane has been closed indefinitely as investigators examine the crash site. Traffic in the area is being diverted to alleviate congestion caused by the closure.
The timing of the crash coincided with the release of students from Victoria East High School, located nearby. Parents were notified that school pickup might be delayed due to the diverted traffic.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the crash or whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors contributed to the incident.
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to join the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The crash has prompted significant concern among local residents, particularly given its proximity to a busy school zone. Police have urged motorists to avoid the area and follow detours until further notice.
As details continue to emerge, officials will provide updates on the condition of those involved and the ongoing investigation into the crash.