On July 29, 2025, a tsunami advisory was issued for the U.S. West Coast, including California, Washington, and Oregon, following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula at 4:25 p.m. Pacific Time. The National Tsunami Warning Center upgraded an earlier watch, warning of potential waves up to six feet in areas like Crescent City, California, with impacts expected around 11:50 p.m. Coastal residents are urged to stay out of the water and away from beaches due to dangerous currents, though widespread inundation is not anticipated.
The quake, centered 78 miles east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific, including warnings for Hawaii and Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Oregon’s coast, from Port Orford to Seaside, could see waves of one to two feet arriving around 11:40 p.m., lasting up to 15 hours. Coos County officials emphasized avoiding shorelines, with Sergeant Christopher Gill noting, “We don’t need people swept out to sea.” Boat operators are advised to move to waters at least 180 feet deep to avoid debris.
The advisory reflects the Cascadia Subduction Zone’s regional risks, though this event stems from a distant source. A 2011 tsunami from Japan caused millions in damage along Oregon’s coast, highlighting the threat. Authorities stress that waves may persist for hours, and the first may not be the largest. Residents should prepare for potential evacuation if the advisory escalates. The situation remains fluid as the National Weather Service monitors real-time data.
