Tsunami Warning - Orange County, California Put On Watch

The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for the immediate coast of Orange County, including Southern and Central California, because of the earthquake that struck Japan, measuring a devastating 8.9. California is yet to be on alert, but are watching for any and all possible indications of a potentially hazardous tsunami.

Carnage in the Wake of Tsunami that Slammed  Japan after 8.9 Earthquake

According to everything I can find, currents in Orange County, California will more than likely be dangerous to swimmers, boats, and any structure along the coast. The hazards will not end with the primary event but will continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival. Residents on the coast are advised to make preparations for possible evacuation.

Be advised that officials will be clearing the beaches as a precaution. The warning for the Orange County coastline might result in wave conditions similar to the type we received from last year's earthquake from Chile. More than likely, we will experience a rise in wave height but it will be relatively small, with damage expected to be minimal. 

What to do in a Tsunami Warning

The following are guidelines for what you should do if a tsunami is likely in your area:

• Turn on your radio to learn if there is a tsunami warning if an earthquake occurs and you are in a coastal area.

• Move inland to higher ground immediately and stay there.

• Stay away from the beach. Never go down to the beach to watch a tsunami come in. If you can see the wave you are too close to escape it.

• CAUTION - If there is noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline this is nature's tsunami warning and it should be heeded. You should move away immediately.

Japan Earthquake 8.9 March 2011

TSUNAMI INFORMATION

Tsunamis, also known as seismic sea waves, are a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite.  A tsunami can move hundreds of miles per hour in the open ocean and smash into land with waves as high as 100 feet or more.

HOW A TSUNAMI WORKS

From the area where the tsunami originates, waves travel outward in all directions. Once the wave approaches the shore, it builds in height. The topography of the coastline and the ocean floor will influence the size of the wave. There may be more than one wave and the succeeding one may be larger than the one before. That is why a small tsunami at one beach can be a giant wave a few miles away.


JUST IN - NOTE FROM JAPAN
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Dear Mark


With the horribly strong earthquake that hit Japan today, I've had lots of members on Skype, Twitter, and Facebook checking to make sure we're OK. Thank you for your concern.


Rieko, the girls, and I are fine. The girls were scared, but the quake was up by Miyagi prefecture. In Osaka, we only had the tailend. A 2-minute shake that slowly moved back and forth. Like standing on a very unstable table.


Unfortunately, the northern part of Honshu was not as lucky. This earthquake is being reported as being stronger than the Kobe earthquake of 1995. Tsunamis have devastated much of the area. Communication is down and we have no idea how Rieko's sister-in-law (who is in Sendai near the center) is.


It's just a wait now to see. Fortunately, with Facebook and the Al Jazeera newsfeed, we've been able to get some news of what is happening.


Again, thank you for your concern,


Kevin, Rieko, Kiki, and Zoei

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Please join me in praying for the people in Japan and all over the world whose lives will be effected by this calamitous earthquake.

Mark

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Mark Jordan Photography specializes in crafting stunning contemporary, traditional, classic, and storytelling family portraits (high school seniors, children portraits, babies, maternity, pregnancy), headshots and pets. Mark Jordan, a Photography Hall of Fame photographer in Rancho Santa Margarita and provides portrait photography throughout Orange County. The portrait studio also serves San Diego County and Inland Empire. Studio Photography Services are also provided in Riverside County and Los Angeles County. Local Cites where photography studio services are offered are in Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Northwood, Orange, Orange Park Acres, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Corona del Mar, Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs, Quail Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Winchester, Woodcrest, Chino Hills, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Montclair, Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Vista, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, and San Diego Country Estates, Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon. Portrait Photographers everywhere (photographers in O.C. as well) are welcome to contact our portrait studio for mentoring/guidance.