West Coast Airports Issue Travel Advisories Amid Small Tsunami Waves

A powerful 8.8 earthquake near Kamchatka triggered tsunami advisories across the US West Coast on July 29, 2025. Waves over 1 meter hit near California-Oregon border. Residents must avoid beaches and marinas as warnings could last 20 hours. No major damage reported so far.

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Key takeaways

An 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Kamchatka triggered tsunami warnings along the entire US West Coast on July 29, 2025.
Small tsunami waves over 1 meter hit near California-Oregon border; advisories remain, lasting possibly up to 20 hours.
No major damage reported; residents urged to avoid beaches and marinas and follow official safety warnings.

A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on July 29, 2025, setting off tsunami advisories and warnings across the entire West Coast of the United States 🇺🇸. As of July 30, 2025, small tsunami waves—some over 1 meter—were recorded near the California-Oregon border, prompting urgent safety measures and travel advisories.

Tsunami Advisories and Immediate Impact

West Coast Airports Issue Travel Advisories Amid Small Tsunami Waves
West Coast Airports Issue Travel Advisories Amid Small Tsunami Waves

Tsunami advisories and warnings were issued from the California-Mexico border up to the British Columbia-Alaska border soon after the earthquake, which happened around 4:30 p.m. PDT. The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed waves over 1 meter near the California-Oregon border. The first significant waves reached Long Beach, Washington at 11:45 p.m. and Los Angeles Harbor at 1:05 a.m. on July 30. Experts warn that tsunami activity could last up to 20 hours, and the first wave is not always the largest.

Current Status and Safety Measures

No major damage or serious injuries have been reported, but several minor injuries occurred. The tsunami advisory for parts of Southern California has been cancelled, but most of the West Coast remains under advisory. Residents and visitors are strongly urged to:

⚠️ Important
Do not underestimate the danger of tsunami waves, even if they appear small. Fast-moving water can be lethal; stay away from all coastal areas until advisories are completely lifted.
  • Stay away from beaches, harbors, and marinas until all advisories are lifted.
  • Avoid watching the tsunami; even small surges can be deadly. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock down an adult, and two feet can move a car.
  • Boaters should leave harbors and seek higher ground.

The National Weather Service uses a four-level alert system: Information Statement, Advisory, Watch, and Warning. The Oregon-California border briefly reached the highest threat level, meaning dangerous flooding and strong currents were possible. Most of the West Coast remains under an Advisory, which means strong currents and unpredictable waves are expected, but widespread flooding is not likely.

Tsunami Advisory Timeline Following Kamchatka Earthquake
Key events and safety measures in response to the July 2025 tsunami threat

VisaVerge

July 29, 2025
8.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Kamchatka Peninsula
A powerful earthquake triggers tsunami advisories across the West Coast.

July 29, 2025, 4:30 p.m. PDT
Earthquake occurred
The earthquake hits, prompting immediate tsunami warnings.

July 30, 2025, 11:45 p.m.
First significant waves reached Long Beach, Washington
The first significant tsunami waves arrive on the West Coast.

July 30, 2025, 1:05 a.m.
First significant waves reached Los Angeles Harbor
Los Angeles Harbor experiences the arrival of tsunami waves.

July 30, 2025
Small tsunami waves recorded near California-Oregon border
Tsunami activity continues with recorded waves over 1 meter.

Travel and Community Effects

Airports along the West Coast, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle, have issued travel advisories. No major airport closures have been reported, but travelers should check with airlines and airport authorities for updates. Coastal infrastructure, such as marinas and waterfront businesses, may face temporary closures or restricted access.

Expert and Community Responses

Seismologists and tsunami experts stress that even small tsunami waves can be deadly due to their speed and force, especially in harbors and low-lying areas. Emergency officials urge everyone to follow official warnings and not underestimate the risk, as tsunamis can bring multiple waves over many hours. Local business owners and residents worry about economic impacts, especially in tourism areas, but agree that safety comes first.

Background and Outlook

This is one of the most significant tsunami threats to the U.S. West Coast in recent years, triggered by one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in the region. Tsunami advisories are expected to remain in effect for several more hours, with updates from ocean monitoring systems. Authorities will continue to watch for aftershocks and more waves, and will lift advisories only when it is safe.

For the latest official updates, visit the National Tsunami Warning Center. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and following safety instructions is the best way to protect yourself and your community during this ongoing event.

Learn Today

Magnitude → A number measuring the earthquake’s energy release, with 8.8 indicating an extremely powerful event.
Tsunami Advisory → A warning signaling possible strong currents and dangerous waves without expected widespread flooding.
National Tsunami Warning Center → US agency responsible for monitoring tsunamis and issuing related alerts and advisories.
PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) → Time zone used in the US West Coast during daylight saving time hours.
Aftershocks → Smaller earthquakes following the main event, possibly causing continued seismic activity or additional waves.

This Article in a Nutshell

On July 29, 2025, a massive 8.8 earthquake near Kamchatka caused tsunami warnings across the US West Coast. Small waves reached California’s border, prompting safety alerts. Residents must avoid coastal areas as tsunami risks continue up to 20 hours. Safety and preparedness remain critical during this event.
— By VisaVerge.com

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As the Chief Editor at VisaVerge.com, Oliver Mercer is instrumental in steering the website's focus on immigration, visa, and travel news. His role encompasses curating and editing content, guiding a team of writers, and ensuring factual accuracy and relevance in every article. Under Oliver's leadership, VisaVerge.com has become a go-to source for clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date information, helping readers navigate the complexities of global immigration and travel with confidence and ease.
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