Tsunami Warning for California Today
On April 24, 2026, a powerful 7.0‑magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific Northwest, approximately 60 miles offshore of Ferndale, California. The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) promptly issued a Tsunami Warning for coastal regions of California, alerting residents and visitors to take immediate precautions. This article explains the event, the warning, and how to respond.
What Happened?
The seismic event was recorded by the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. Its epicenter was located in the deep ocean, well below the continental shelf. While the earthquake caused minor shaking along the California coast, the most significant concern is the potential for a tsunami generated by the seafloor displacement.
How the Tsunami Warning Works
The NWS monitors seismic activity and ocean tide gauges in real time. When a significant earthquake occurs offshore, a computer model estimates the size of the resulting tsunami. If the model predicts wave heights that could threaten coastal communities, a warning is issued. The warning includes:
- Time of arrival estimates for specific locations.
