A powerful earthquake off of Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula has triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific according to the United States Geological Survey. 

Within the United States, the National Weather Service’s tsunami alerts stretch from the Alaska/British Columbia border to the California/Mexico border, as well as Hawaii. These alerts can be issued as warnings – severe alerts indicating the potential of dangerous flooding and powerful currents – or as advisories – second-tier alerts warning of the potential for strong currents and waves. . 

Around 8:30 p.m., the National Weather Service updated the alert to a warning for the area between Cape Mendocino, California and the Oregon/California border.

According to the NWS, tsunami waves were expected to hit Port Orford, Oregon at 11:35 p.m. on July 29, and last for 15 hours with peak wave heights of 1.0 to 1.8 feet. The tsunami was expected to hit Brookings, Oregon at 11:50 p.m. on July 29, with waves between 0.8 and 1.5 feet for a duration of 9 hours. 

Widespread flooding is not anticipated, but damage to coastal infrastructure is possible, according to the United States Coast Guard. 

The tsunami is expected to produce strong currents that may be dangerous to swimmers, boats and coastal structures, according to the NWS. 

The NWS recommends that those near coastal areas move off the beach, harbors and marinas, and that people do not go to the coast to watch the tsunami. 

The magnitude 8.8 earthquake was first reported at 4:24 p.m. Pacific Standard Time July 29. 

This earthquake is the sixth strongest ever recorded on Earth according to USGS and is expected to have far reaching impacts. 

Besides the United States, other countries that have issued warnings or advisories include Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and Canada, among others.

The situation is continuing to evolve and can be monitored at tsunami.gov.