Chile earthquake has low impact on Southland coastline amid tsunami advisory

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Chile quake triggers tsunami advisory along Southland coast

The 8.3-magnitude earthquake in Chile triggered a tsunami advisory for the Southern California coastline.

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. (KABC) -- The massive earthquake in Chile triggered a tsunami advisory for the Southern California coast, which experienced minimal impact on Thursday.

After the temblor struck off Chile's northern coast Wednesday night, a tsunami advisory was issued in California from San Onofre State Beach in San Clemente to Ragged Point, which is located 50 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo.

The first waves hit California beaches around 5 a.m. at low tide. High tide is expected to hit shortly before noon and may reach a foot higher than average. This increase is similar to what is simply considered rising tide. Waves may grow to be as high as three feet. The advisory was canceled around noon, according to the National Weather Service.

All Orange County beaches, harbors and marinas were shut down at 4 a.m. but reopened by 6 a.m., according to the Orange County Emergency Operations Center. All Los Angeles County beaches remain open, but officials still warned swimmers and boaters that the stronger currents and waves could be dangerous.

Residents along the coastal areas were urged to stay away from the beaches, harbors and marinas - but there were no evacuation orders.

Advisories are lower level notifications than warnings. A tsunami advisory alerts the public to expect some stronger currents and a slight rise in the ocean level.