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
Multi-Vehicle Collision with Rollover Involving School Bus in Waltham
The severity of the driver’s injuries has not yet been disclosed.
WALTHAM, MA – At least one person sustained injuries following a collision between a school bus and an elderly transportation van in Waltham, Massachusetts, on Friday morning.
The crash occurred around 8:45 a.m., according to Waltham Police. Emergency crews responded to the scene, where they found a yellow Eastern Bus Company school bus alongside a white REM Services van that had rolled onto its side.
The van’s front windshield was shattered, and significant damage was visible.
It remains unclear if any students were on board at the time of the collision or if injuries were sustained by those on the bus.
The van, operated by a company providing transportation for elderly and mobility-impaired individuals in Greater Boston, had only the driver on board. The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The severity of the driver’s injuries has not yet been disclosed.
REM Services confirmed their involvement in the incident and stated that no passengers were present in their vehicle at the time.
Authorities have not yet released additional information about the circumstances leading to the collision or the condition of those involved.
Waltham Police and other first responders are actively investigating the cause of the crash. Traffic in the area may be impacted as the scene is cleared and further analysis is conducted.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.