Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


TSUNAMI ADVISORY UPDATE #1

LOS ANGELES (Fri, March 11, 2011 – 1 p.m.) – A Tsunami Advisory is still in effect that was issued by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) West Coast Alaska Warning Center located in Palmer, Alaska, for the Los Angeles County coastal areas following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Japan.

Current information, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Marina del Rey Harbor Master Reggie Gautt announced he has closed the marina’s boat launch until 2 p.m. and will reassess the situation after 2 p.m. today. Also, there are no evacuation orders in affect in any of the Los Angeles County beach areas at this time.

The Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) with support from the Department of Beaches and Harbors, Sheriff’s Department will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the California Emergency Management Agency (Cal EMA). Los Angeles County Fire Lifeguard Operations has not closed any beaches, but will be on patrol and advises beach patrons to be safe and to refrain from going into the waters.

A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami is capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water. Significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory, but these strong currents could possibly affect local conditions, including swimming, coastal structures and small crafts. There may be a three-foot surge impacting the coastlines of Los Angeles County. The impact of this event has the potential to impact the County for 10-12 hours beginning at 8 a.m. PST and until 5-7 p.m. PST. Mariners are advised to use caution and monitor the National Weather Service (NWS) Tsunami Warning website along with news updates. Persons in the tsunami advisory coastal areas should move out of the water, stay off the beach and proceed to higher ground areas. Those in harbors and marinas should follow U.S. Coast Guard and Harbor Master recommendations and instructions.

To find out more information on tsunamis and how to prepare for them, please visit www.espfocus.org or www.noaawatch.gov.

Residents and business owners, including persons with access and functional needs may also call 211 LA County for emergency preparedness information and other referral services. The toll-free 2-1-1 number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. 211 LA County services can also be accessed by visiting http://211la.org.