TSUNAMI HITS CALIFORNIA COAST — Here’s What Actually Happened

BREAKING — The tsunami waves from a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula officially reached the California coast early this morning.

The National Weather Service Los Angeles and tsunami.gov confirmed that waves struck multiple points along the Pacific coastline, with the greatest impacts reported in Northern California.

Where the Tsunami Hit

Crescent City reported surges over 4 feet, causing dock damage and localized flooding near the harbor. (SFGate)
San Francisco Bay Area saw waves of 2–3 feet before the advisory was lifted by the NWS later in the day.
Southern California, including Los Angeles, reported minor waves (<1 .2=”” a=”” advisories=”” as=”” been=”” feet=”” flooding.=”” have=”” href=”https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-29/tsunami-warning-issued-california-coast-massive-russian-earthquake” lifted=”” morning.=”” no=”” of=”” reported=”” target=”_blank” tuesday=”” with=””>LA Times)

What Officials Are Saying

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were no injuries reported, but dangerous currents are still expected in harbors and nearshore areas. Boaters are urged to use caution, and beachgoers should remain alert throughout the evening.

What Triggered It?

The tsunami was caused by a massive 8.8 earthquake in the Pacific Ocean, about 80 miles off the Kamchatka coast in Russia. The quake triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, including Hawaii, Japan, and the U.S. West Coast.

Social Media Flooded With Videos

Clips from Northern California show water surging through docks and flooding coastal parking lots. Helicopters were seen monitoring the waves in real-time. No mass evacuations were ordered, but some coastal towns took preemptive precautions.

Despite online panic and rumors of widespread flooding, the situation is largely under control. Emergency services remain on high alert, but tsunami warnings for most of the California coast have now been downgraded or canceled.