Tsunami Warning In Santa Barbara

Locals of Santa Barbara — as well as the entire West Coast of the United States all the way up to Alaska — were advised to stay away from the shore and remain on higher ground in the wake of a tsunami advisory triggered by the eruption of an underwater volcano on Friday, January 14th, around 8:27 p.m. Pacific Standard Time off the coast of the Pacific island of Tonga. The mid-ocean volcano is roughly 5,000 miles from California, but no evacuations were ordered.

By 10:30 p.m. Saturday, January 15th, the advisory had been narrowed to an area stretching from Point Conception along the Gaviota Coast to Ragged Point, 50 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo. 

While Santa Barbara County escaped with problems, a tidal surge caused damage at the Santa Cruz Harbor more than 250 miles north.

The public launch ramp at the Ventura Harbor was closed as a precaution, officials said. Harbor Patrol discouraged recreational activities, such as paddling and boating, because of strong and unpredictable currents.

It seems as though Santa Barbara is in the clear for now but caution and common sense on the ocean and along the beach are still being urged due to rip currents. The advisory will be in effect for as long as three hours after initial surges arrive. More information is at readysbc.org/tsunami-preparedness/.

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