The California coast was under a tsunami advisory Tuesday evening following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia.
The advisory status means dangerous currents and waves are possible in coastal regions, according to the National Weather Service. The estimated time of arrival in San Francisco is 12:40 a.m. Wednesday.
“A tsunami is a series of waves carrying a large mass of water,” the weather service said in a statement. “This will NOT be a single wave. The first wave might not necessarily be the largest. Even if wave heights are low, dangerous and powerful currents are possible in the ocean and at the beach! Do NOT try to go to the coast to take photos! You will not just put yourself at risk, you will put the people who have to rescue you at risk.”
⚠️TSUNAMI ADVISORY remains in effect for the California coast. Stay away from the water! Stay away from beaches and waterways! Remember: Tsunamis are series of waves carrying large masses of water. The first wave may not be the largest! Do NOT go to the coast!! #CAwx #Tsunami pic.twitter.com/b9y14BesPA
— NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) July 30, 2025
The tsunami advisory could be upgraded to a tsunami warning if a tsunami is imminent. A tsunami can result in widespread, sudden flooding of beaches, harbors and coastal areas.
The earthquake, which struck at about 4:25 p.m. Pacific time, first triggered a tsunami watch for California and the rest of the West Coast. The watch status meant people along the coast were told to prepare to evacuate if asked.
Tsunami alerts can be monitored at tsunami.gov.
Source: NBC Bay Area
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