| nospam@nospam.com 2007-01-13, 4:33 am |
| A Tsunami Warning is in effect which includes the Alaska coastal areas from
Nikolski, Alaska to Attu, Alaska.
A Tsunami Watch is in effect for the Alaska coastal areas from Seward, Alaska to
Nikolski, Alaska.
This message is advisory only for other areas of California, Oregon, Washington,
British Columbia, and Alaska.
A Tsunami Warning means that all coastal residents in the warning area who are
near the beach or in low-lying regions should move immediately inland to higher
ground and away from all harbors and inlets including those sheltered directly
from the sea. Those feeling the earth shake, seeing unusual wave action, or the
water level rising or receding may have only a few minutes before the tsunami
arrival and should evacuate immediately. Homes and small buildings are not
designed to withstand tsunami impacts. Do not stay in these structures.
All residents within the warned area should be alert for instructions broadcast
from their local civil authorities. This tsunami warning is based solely on
earthquake information - the tsunami has not yet been confirmed.
A Tsunami Watch means that all coastal residents in the watch area should
prepare for possible evacuation. A tsunami watch is issued to areas which will
not be impacted by the tsunami for at least three hours. Watch areas will either
be upgraded to warning status or canceled.
At 8:23 PM Pacific Standard Time on January 12, an earthquake with preliminary
magnitude 8.4 occurred east of the Kuril Islands, Russia. This earthquake may
have generated a tsunami. If a tsunami has been generated, the waves will first
reach Shemya, Alaska at 9:34 PM AKST on January 12. Estimated tsunami arrival
times and maps along with safety rules and other information can be found on the
WCATWC web site.
Tsunamis can be dangerous waves that are not survivable. Wave heights are
amplified by irregular shoreline and are difficult to predict. Tsunamis often
appear as a strong surge and may be preceded by a receding water level. Mariners
in water deeper than 600 feet should not be affected by a tsunami. Wave heights
will increase rapidly as water shallows. Tsunamis are a series of ocean waves
which can be dangerous for several hours after the initial wave arrival. DO NOT
return to evacuated areas until an all clear is given by local civil
authorities.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach, Hawaii will issue messages for
Hawaii and other areas of the Pacific outside the states and provinces listed
above.
Additional messages will be issued every half hour or sooner if conditions
warrant. This tsunami warning and watch will remain in effect until further
notice. For further information stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, your local TV
or radio stations, or see the WCATWC web site.
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