Tsunami waves reach SoCal coast after massive Russia quake; tsunami watch canceled

Tsunami waves have reached the California coast after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded.

A massive 8.8 earthquake struck near Russia Tuesday, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuations in more than 20 countries.

Tsunami waves have reached the California coast after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded.

Overnight, Hawaii downgraded its warning to an advisory, and people are now able to return home.

Tsunami waves hit the northern part of California around 1 a.m. and have made their way down the coast.

Beaches in Los Angeles County and Marina Del Rey will be closed until at least noon Wednesday.

Beaches along the Southern California coast are being closed as a safety precaution as the state deals with a tsunami advisory following an 8.8 earthquake near Russia.

Orange County Vice Chair Katrina Foley announced the county is closing all O.C. Parks-managed beaches, including Capo Beach, Salt Creek Beach, and Baby Beach.

"Under advisory protocol, the County deployed additional park rangers and OC lifeguards to support with clearing efforts of county beaches, as rip tides and rip currents are anticipated. The Dana Point Harbor Marina also notified boaters to prepare and even move boats to deeper waters if conditions worsen," said Foley.

Laguna Beach announced that its beaches are closed from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday.

The city of Huntington Beach said it was closing its pier and beaches out of an abundance of caution. Officials were urging the public to stay out of the water.

The tsunami advisory also affected Los Angeles County beaches and harbors, including South Bay beaches.

"Port Police and emergency officials are actively responding to tonight's Tsunami Advisory. Residents and workers in and around the L.A. Harbor area are urged to stay alert, avoid the waterline, and follow official instructions," said L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on X.

L.A. officials warn the public to leave the beaches, marinas and harbors due the strong currents expected in the water.

There are no evacuation orders in place at this time; however, people in Marina del Rey are reportedly being asked to evacuate the boats there.

Southern California coast residents are on high alert as the state deals with a tsunami advisory following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Russia.

The tsunami is already having a number of impacts. At least eight flights from LAX to Hawaii have been canceled or diverted back to LAX.

This is being done to not add more people to the islands amid the evacuations and to reduce activity at the airports there.

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.