Tsunami waves reach SoCal coast after massive Russia quake; tsunami watch canceled
Last updated: Friday, August 1, 2025 7:00AM GMT
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A tsunami advisory was downgraded to a watch, and then completely lifted, for most of the Southern California coast after a massive earthquake near Russia.
The advisory was in place for most of the night, with much of the California coastline seeing some form of tsunami waves. It now appears most of the threat has subsided.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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Here's how the news is developing.
ByAUDREY McAVOY 
Jul 30, 2025, 7:47 AM GMT
Water recedes at Hawaii beaches as tsunami reaches Oahu
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said officials observed water receding by 20 to 30 feet at Haleiwa Harbor on Oahu, the state's most populous island, an indication tsunami waves will arrive. The waves pulling out left boats to lay on dry rock and sand. "That gave us pause," Green said.
So far no damage has been recorded, but it will take two to three hours of observation before authorities will be able to determine whether the event has passed, Green said.
Jul 30, 2025, 7:23 AM GMT
A look back at the last time CA coast was under a tsunami advisory
In January 2022, a tsunami advisory was issued for the West Coast of the U.S. from California to Alaska after an underwater volcano eruption in the South Pacific. In Ventura, the strong tsunami swells ripped through a harbor and took several boats with it.
In January 2022, a tsunami advisory was issued from California to Alaska after an underwater volcano eruption in the South Pacific.
Jul 30, 2025, 6:43 AM GMT
What is a tsunami?
Tsunamis are waves triggered by earthquakes, underwater volcanic eruptions and submarine landslides. After an underwater earthquake, the seafloor rises and drops, which lifts water up and down. The energy from this pushes sea water that transfers to waves.
Many people think of tsunamis as one wave. But they are typically multiple waves that rush ashore like a fast-rising tide.
Some tsunamis are small and don't cause damage. Others can cause massive destruction. In 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia, causing waves that leveled remote villages, ports and tourist resorts along the Indian Ocean across Southeast and South Asia.
Jul 30, 2025, 7:29 AM GMT
LAUSD says schools in tsunami warning zone will begin no later than 9 a.m.
The Los Angeles Unified School District said schools in a tsunami warning zone "will begin no earlier than 9 a.m." Wednesday.
Schools in the warning zone include: Westminster Avenue Magnet, Westminster Avenue Early Education Center, Westside Global Awareness Magnet, Broadway Elementary School, Coeur d'Alene Elementary School, Marina del Rey Middle School, Marina Early Education Center, Venice Skills Center, Harbor Occupational Center, Wilmington Skills Center and Barton Hill Elementary School.
Schools will send updates prior to 9 a.m. to confirm opening or provide additional information, the district said.
