Caleb Nguyen
CENTRAL COAST, Calif. — All tsunami advisories have been canceled for coastal zones of California’s Central Coast, covering Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Officials had lifted alerts for most of the West Coast, including the Bay Area and Southern California, after wave activity triggered by a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula was downgraded as conditions eased
While initial surges arrived overnight, forecasters warn that dangerous rip currents and unpredictable wave patterns will likely remain a threat throughout the next couple of days.
“The whole Pacific Ocean’s been stirred up,” said Andrew Rourke, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “There’s a lot of sneaky energy out there that could really, really impact you.”
All Tsunami Advisories for #SoCal have been cancelled.
However, strong rip currents will likely continue across the #SoCal beaches for the next couple of days. So, if you go to the beach, check with the lifeguards about the water conditions. #CAwx
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) July 30, 2025
Beach Closures and Evacuation Alerts
In Santa Barbara County, most beaches will reopen today, while others will remain closed. The County Office of Emergency Management continues to urge the public to stay away from the water, beaches, and waterways.
State and County beaches and Goleta Pier are now open.
Cities of Santa Barbara and Carpinteria beaches are now open.
Vandenberg Space Force Base beaches will remain closed for the rest of the day (Wednesday 7/30).
In San Luis Obispo County, wave heights between 4 and 5 feet have been reported — significantly above normal. Port San Luis, near Avila Beach, is experiencing some of the highest activity.
An evacuation warning has been lifted for neighborhoods in Los Osos near the Morro Bay Natural Preserve, including:
Biscarth Street
Pine Avenue
Broaderton Street
Ramona Avenue
3rd and 4th Streets
Residents in these areas are urged to seek higher ground and monitor real-time updates at EmergencySLO.org.
“Dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents are possible,” said First Alert Chief Meteorologist Mackenzie Lake. “Some northern communities may reach tsunami warning thresholds. It’s critical to follow local evacuation guidance and remain alert to updates.”
Monitoring and Preparedness
Emergency crews, including the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol, have cleared waterfront parking lots and are monitoring conditions. Officials are also watching ocean buoys and current patterns to assess any further wave activity.
Santa Barbara’s historic Stearns Wharf was closed overnight due to the advisory but reopened to the public early Wednesday morning.
“We encourage residents and visitors of our beautiful coastlines to take time this week to identify tsunami hazard zones and how they would evacuate the beach on foot,” said Kelly Hubbard, Director of the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management. “A few minutes of preparation now can lead to life-saving actions later.”
“We have plans for the waterfront, the harbor, and throughout the city,” added Santa Barbara City Administrator Kelly McAdoo. “We’re in close contact with the county and state emergency offices.”
So far, no significant damage has been reported in either Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo counties, but the advisory is expected to remain in place through the day.
“I would just say wait a day and then enjoy the surf,” said Rourke.
What the Alert Levels Mean
“A tsunami watch means be prepared,” Rourke explained. “An advisory or warning means we’re now confident that a tsunami will strike the area.”
Here’s how tsunami alert levels break down:
Tsunami Watch: A tsunami is possible. Stay alert and monitor official updates.
Tsunami Advisory: Strong currents or waves are expected. Avoid the shoreline.
Tsunami Warning: Inundation is imminent or occurring. Take immediate action.
Hawaii Also Felt the Impact
In Hawaii, alerts were issued and some residents evacuated low-lying areas. Percy Sallis, a wedding planner from Buellton visiting Waikiki, shared his experience.
“I was actually out shopping when our phones started going off,” Sallis said. “It was a little surreal, but people stayed calm. Stores closed quickly, and people near the beach evacuated to higher ground.”
Hotel guests were instructed to stay on the fifth floor or higher.
“Luckily, I was on the 15th. We just stayed in place and waited for more information,” Sallis said.
By Wednesday morning, conditions in Hawaii had stabilized, though the advisory remained in effect.
“It’s quiet now. People are just settling in and trying to get some rest,” he added.
Historical Context and Local Preparedness
The last significant tsunami advisory for California’s Central Coast occurred in 2011, following the Japan earthquake, which caused localized surges and minor harbor damage.
Stephen Williams, with the Montecito Sanitary District, said his team is taking precautions.
“We’ve been through debris flows, fires—caution is key. Be alert, be prepared. Better safe than sorry.”
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