Tsunami Warning Center: No danger for US West Coast following earthquakes near New Zealand
(KION) UPDATE 2:30 p.m. The National Tsunami Warning Center issued an update saying there is currently no tsunami danger for the US west coast.
The agency added that some areas may see sea level changes that are not expected to cause damage.
UPDATE 3/4/2021 2:20 p.m. As of 2:15 p.m., the National Tsunami Warning Center said it is still watching water measurements to evaluate the tsunami threat to the west coast following three earthquakes in New Zealand.
The agency said it expects to get more water level measurements within the next hour.
A Tsunami Watch has been posted in Hawaill and a Tsunami Advisory has been posted in American Samoa.
Although the agency is still evaluating the potential threat, seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones said she believes California is too far away for the earthquakes to pose a tsunami threat.
PREVIOUS STORY: Three earthquakes have been reported in the Kermadec Islands northeast of New Zealand, and the National Tsunami Warning Center said it is evaluating the threat to the western United States.
Right now, the center has only released a Tsunami Information Statement.
The Oahu Emergency Management agency in Hawaii reports that a Tsunami Watch has been issued for Hawaii.
The largest earthquake reported so far was magnitude 8.1 at 11:28 a.m. PT. The Tsunami Warning Center said earthquakes of that size are known to lead to tsunamis that could be dangerous even in areas outside the region.
Officials are reviewing information to see if there is a tsunami threat for California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia or Alaska. They are working to find out the level of danger and said they will release more information as it becomes available. Updates are expected every hour.
New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency has issued a Tsunami Warning and said the first waves may reach the country at 9:49 a.m. local time. The agency said it expects tsunami activity to continue for several hours.
