CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

Newport Beach Under Tsunami Advisory

An 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile has generated a tsunami that could add a foot or two of height to waves in Orange County at 12:12 p.m. today. A second tsunami wave could add the same height about 15 minutes later, and the entire California coast is under a tsunami advisory.

The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center said on its webpage: “A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.”

The earthquake occurred at 10:34 Friday, Pacific Standard Time, near the coast of Central Chile, causing at least 82 deaths and causing major infrastructure damage, according to news accounts. (Read the Los Angeles Times’ story here.)

The TImes is reporting that Hawaii is under a tsunami warning, more serious than a tsunami advisory, with residents stocking on on staples, sirens blaring and evacuations by boat because the airport is closed. Read the story here.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a “widespread warning” that reached from Mexico to Asia and Russia; read the warning here.

The tsunami is expected to reach the California-Mexico border at 12:04 p.m., Newport Beach at 12:12 p.m. and San Pedro at 12:15 p.m., continuing up the coast of California to Alaska throughout the rest of today.

Click here to see complete list of arrival times.

According to the Orange County Register’s Science Dude, “Today’s wave forecast, before the tsunami, called for 2′ to 4′ waves, with occasional sets to 6′.”

The Science Dude said local officials are monitoring the situation but not issuing any local warnings or advisories. However, he said, officials have advised people to avoid going to beaches for a closer look.