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Where are tsunami warnings and watches issued in US? 
The quake struck near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia

Where are tsunami warnings and watches issued in US? 

Jul 30, 2025
11:16 am

What's the story

A magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday triggered tsunami alerts across Alaska, Hawaii, and the contiguous United States's west coast. The National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) issued warnings, advisories, and watches after the quake struck at 7:24pm ET near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia. Reid Wolcott of the Seattle weather service called it "a significant, real event," with Alaska being in immediate danger.

Alaska alerts

Advisories issued for Alaska's remote Aleutian Islands

The NTWC issued tsunami advisories and warnings for Alaska's remote Aleutian Islands. Possible tsunami activity was forecasted at Shemya Island from 4:46pm, Alaskan Day Time. The forecast also included Adak Island from 5:46pm (1.2-2.2ft) and Saint Paul Island from 7:06pm, about 760 miles west of Anchorage. The maximum height of potential tsunami waves forecasted for these regions are less than 3 foot.

Hawaii alert

Hawaii, West Coast also on alert

The Hawaiian Islands were also placed under a statewide tsunami warning on July 29, with possible damage across all coastlines. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency emphasized the urgency of taking protective measures. A tsunami advisory was issued for the entire West Coast, including Washington state, Oregon, California, southern Alaska, and the Alaska Peninsula.

West Coast alerts

Warnings for Oregon, California coastlines

The NTWC also issued tsunami warnings for coastal areas of Oregon and California. The warning stretches from the Stateline border to Cape Mendocino in Northern California's Humboldt County. In San Diego, authorities advised against widespread inundation but warned of dangerous ocean currents along the coast. Meteorologists highlighted past incidents where such currents led to fatalities, stressing caution during this event.

Pacific islands

Alerts issued for Pacific islands

Tsunami alerts were also issued for the Pacific Islands, including Northern Mariana Islands such as Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. The US Geological Survey experts had warned of a potential threat to these regions. The National Weather Service categorizes tsunami alerts into four levels: warning, advisory, watch, and information statement. Each level indicates the severity of the threat and the necessary actions to be taken by local authorities and residents.

Levels

What are the 4 levels 

Tsunami Warning: "Take Action—Danger! A tsunami that may cause widespread flooding is expected or occurring." Tsunami Advisory: "Take Action—A tsunami with potential for strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is expected or occurring. There may be flooding of beach and harbor areas." Tsunami Watch: "Be Prepared—A distant earthquake has occurred. A tsunami is possible." Tsunami Information Statement: "Relax—An earthquake has occurred, but there is no threat or it was very far away."