South Bend, Washington – The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency was notified early this morning that the county was under a tsunami watch as the result of a large earthquake in Japan that resulted in a damaging tsunami. The watch status was then changed to an advisory.
An advisory is issued due to the threat of a potential tsunami which may produce strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or near the water. Coastal regions historically prone to damage due to strong currents induced by tsunamis are at the greatest risk. The threat may continue for several hours after the arrival of the initial wave, but significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Advisories are normally updated to continue the advisory, expand/contract affected areas, upgrade to a warning, or cancel the advisory.
The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office is activating a telephonic warning system early this morning to advise Long Beach Peninsula residents and additional residents in low lying areas to move to high ground. The tsunami is expected to impact the Pacific County coastline at 7:05 a.m., with a wave height between one and ten feet. Residents who need assistance with evacuation should contact the Pacific County EOC at 642-9341 or 875-9341. Residents who evacuate should wait for the all clear before returning to the area. Tune to local media for further information.