Morning Pacific earthquakes hit off the west coast. Is a tsunami warning in effect for WA?
Multiple earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 and higher struck off the west coast in the Pacific Ocean in the early morning hours of Friday, Oct. 18., according to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Center . No tsunami warnings are currently in effect as a result of the quakes.
The largest of the quakes , which registered at 5.0 magnitude, struck about 72 miles off the coast, just west of Barview, Oregon. A smaller quake that was 3.1 magnitude also struck about 175 miles south of British Columbia and directly west of Seattle. The smaller quake's depth was about six miles.
No tsunami warning was issued for either.
Bohyun Bahng, a senior duty scientist at the Tsunami Warning Center, told McClatchy on Friday, Oct. 18 that the center usually does not issue a warning unless the earthquakes are a magnitude 7.5.
According to Doug Gibbons, a research engineer at the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, the earthquake is at an expected magnitude range that is common along the coast. He told McClatchy in a phone call that the network is monitoring the situation.
Is WA at risk for a tsunami?
Tsunami preparedness in Washington has grown in recent years , and for good reason. Washington state has more than 3,000 miles of coastline that is home to 58 coastal communities.
It is also a high-risk zone for tsunamis , according to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources .
In light of the risk, advances have been made for evacuation options along the coast in recent years, in addition to existing tsunami evacuation routes . The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe have built multiple vertical evacuation structures, and a multi-purpose structure was built above a school gym in the Ocosta School District . There has also been discussion about funding additional structures in other coastal towns .
What should you do in a tsunami?
The most crucial part of tsunami preparedness is connection to communication systems . If you receive any kind of tsunami warning, evacuate immediately. Do not wait and do not return until given the OK from officials. There are several types of tsunami alert systems.
Local governments will likely have a regional alert system. Research the county you're traveling to before arriving so you know the safety protocols and sign up for tsunami alerts for your phone or email.
The Washington Emergency Management Division runs more than 120 tsunami sirens along the Washington coast. These are outdoor notification systems meant to inform people disconnected from other alert systems. Listen to a sample to better recognize the sound.
If staying at a hotel or campground, ask staff about local tsunami safety tips.
NOAA has weather radios , several subscription options , and a live alert site . Weather radio stations vary by location .
Download apps on your phone to notify you in case of an emergency, like the NANOOS app, TsuInfo, Washington Emergency Management and more.
When traveling to an area with risk of tsunamis, bring a portable disaster supply kit with you. It should have everything you'd need in an emergency, along with your family members and pets. Keep one in your car, and if possible, another where you're staying.
