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SLO County tsunami advisory issued after Pacific Ocean volcano erupts

Update: 4:25 p.m.

The tsunami advisory remains in effect for the coastal area of California, according the National Weather Service bulletin.

“If you are located in this coastal area, move off the beach and out of harbors and marinas. Tsunami advisories mean that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected or is already occurring. Areas in the advisory should not expect widespread inundation. Tsunamis are a series of waves dangerous many hours after initial arrival time,” the bulletin said.

The tsunami advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Original Story: 8:41 a.m.

An undersea volcano erupted in the Tonga Island area of the South Pacific on Friday night, prompting tsunami advisories for much of the California coast — including San Luis Obispo County.

The San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services warned Saturday morning of the tsunami advisory.

The Tonga Island region tsunami has generated unusual waves in Cayucos, CA, Jan. 15, 2022.
The Tonga Island region tsunami has generated unusual waves in Cayucos, CA, Jan. 15, 2022.



During an advisory, people are asked to stay out of the water and away from the shore because of “strong currents and dangerous waves,” according to the National Weather Service.

Tsunami waves were expected to start arriving at 7 a.m., according to the Office of Emergency Services. Peak tsunami wave heights are estimated to be 1-2 feet based on what was experienced in Hawaii, the agency tweeted Saturday morning.

Around 7:40 a.m., PG&E meteorologist John Lindsey said the Port San Luis Tide Gauge was showing 1-foot waves in 20 to 40 minutes periods due to the eruption.

The Tonga Island region tsunami has generated unusual waves in Cayucos, CA, Jan. 15, 2022.
The Tonga Island region tsunami has generated unusual waves in Cayucos, CA, Jan. 15, 2022.

The city of Morro Bay also advised residents to stay out of the water, and avoid harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets.