The National Weather Service and the National Tsunami Warning Center have issued a tsunami watch for the California coastline—including San Francisco—in response to powerful
earthquakes off the coast of Kamchatka, Russia. The strongest quake registered a preliminary magnitude of 8.7, triggering global monitoring for possible tsunami activity.
Meteorologists have pinpointed the expected arrival time of tsunami waves in San Francisco at approximately 12:40 a.m. PDT on July 30, following earlier arrivals along other coastal areas such as Monterey and Crescent City.
Though this region is under watch rather than warning, authorities emphasize that vigilance remains crucial, as additional developments may necessitate an upgrade.
Complementing the tsunami watch, a Small Craft Advisory is currently active. Conditions across San Francisco Bay—including San Pablo Bay and Suisun Bay—are hazardous: southwest winds will reach 10–21 knots, producing choppy
waters that pose significant risks for smaller vessels . Mariners and recreational boaters are strongly advised to avoid venturing out until conditions improve.
Local government agencies and emergency officials are currently mobilizing resources and communicating safety protocols to residents. Coastal communities are urged to stay informed via trusted channels such as NOAA updates, local news outlets, and official emergency notifications.
This situation underscores how global seismic events—even those occurring thousands of miles away—can have immediate and serious implications for distant shores. While no tsunami impact in the Bay Area has occurred yet, the close timing and serious potential have put both experts and citizens on high alert.
About the Author
