Tsunami Waves Reach Coast

By B.J. Hansen Published Mar 11, 2011 08:25 am Updated Mar 11, 2011 08:26 am

San Francisco, CA — Tsunami waves arriving along the California coast are smaller than initially anticipated.

Waves over the next 12 hours could still be 2-5 feet though at times, according to the National Weather Service. A Tsunami Warning is in effect for the entire California Coast after an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan at 9:46pm Pacific Time last night.

Those living in tsunami warning areas near the beach or in low-lying regions are asked to move inland to higher ground and away from all harbors. Many beaches in the San Francisco Bay Area are closed this morning. The Coast Guard is on full alert. Many schools along the coast are closed today, and some are being set up as emergency shelters. The first waves are arriving along portions of the California Coast.