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.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.