BREAKING: Tsunami Advisory Now Issued for Southern, Central California

By PAIGE AUSTIN (Patch Staff) and BEA KARNES (Patch Staff)

Update:

Despite earlier assurances that California was safe from a tsunami generated by an 8.3 earthquake off the coast of Chile, The National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska has now issued a Tsunami Advisory for parts of California--from San Onofre to Ragged Point, which is 50 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo.

While it’s not supposed to make it to the Monterey Bay, local residents would be wise to remain vigilant--just two hours ago officials said that California was safe.

The sensor ocean sensor closest to the earthquake recorded a wave nearly 20 feet high. The tsunami that hits California is only expected to be about one foot high. While no evacuations will be issued, swimmers in the impacted area are being warned.

According to the Advisory:

ESTIMATED TSUNAMI START TIMES FOR SELECTED SITES ARE...

NEWPORT BEACH CALIFORNIA 446 AM. PDT. SEPTEMBER 17.

LOS ANGELES HARBOR CALIFORNIA 447 AM. PDT. SEPTEMBER 17.

SANTA BARBARA CALIFORNIA 506 AM. PDT. SEPTEMBER 17.

PORT SAN LUIS CALIFORNIA 510 AM. PDT. SEPTEMBER 17.

Earlier:

A powerful 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Chile this evening prompting a tsunami watch for parts of the Pacific, including Hawaii.

The US Geological Survey in Menlo Park says the watch does not include the California coast.

Richard Allen, director of the UC Berkeley Seismological Lab, reports that the ocean sensor closest to the quake measured a sex meter wave. That converts to nearly 20 feet tall. He also noted that the wave should lessen in height as it travels across the ocean.

The quake has triggered several large aftershocks of a 6.0 magnitude and greater, and authorities continue to update the tsunami threat.