California Tsunami Warning: West Coast Braces After Japan Quake

California Tsunami Watch: Homes Evacuated, Ships to Sea

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Japan on March 11, tsunami waves rose to inflect yet more damage. The tsunami warning extends as far as the west coast of the United States.

• California, Washington, Oregon Tsunami Warning Map: NOAA

The highest swells (7 feet) are expected in Port San Luis. San Francisco is expected to get tsunami waves under 3 feet. Waves are expected to hit the San Francisco Bay Area around 8:16am PT, with San Diego getting hit around 8:45am PT. Bay Area surfer Jon Freel posted several photos from San Francisco as locals waited for the all-clear.

Beaches are closed, and waterfront homes are being evacuated: people have been warned not to travel to the coast to watch the waves. Larger boats in California harbors are being moved further into open water.

• Japan Earthquake & Tsunami 2011
• Hawaii Braces for Tsunami
  

Meanwhile, the tsunami waves have already reached Hawaii, with the islands experiencing swells 7 feet higher than normal.