8.8 magnitude earthquake off coast of Russia triggers tsunami watch for California

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Russia, triggering a tsunami watch for California as well as warnings for Hawaii and Alaska. 

What we know:

The earthquake struck the southeast area of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia at around 4:25 p.m. PST. 

It was originally recorded as an 8.0 magnitude, then upgraded to 8.7, then 8.8, according to the USGC. 

About seven aftershocks occurred, including a 6.9 in the same Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky area, a 6.3 in Vilyuchinsk, Russia, and a 5.6 in Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia.

Tsunami watch in California 

The earthquake prompted a tsunami watch for the entire coast of California, according to the National Tsunami Warning Center.

The center issued a list of potential start times for tsunami activity — if it occurs at all — across the state, including roughly 11:20 p.m. Tuesday for Los Angeles Harbor, 11:25 p.m. for Newport Beach and 11:20 p.m. for Oceanside.

“Watch areas may be upgraded to a warning or advisory status, or canceled, based on new information,” according to a statement from the center.

The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services stated that it is “monitoring any potential impacts to the state” from the quake and tsunami watch.

Threats in Hawaii and Alaska 

A tsunami watch that was issued for the entire state of Hawaii at 1:33 pm HST was eventually upgraded to a warning.  

“Based on all available data a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter. an investigation is underway to determine if there is a tsunami threat to Hawaii. If tsunami waves impact Hawaii, the estimated earliest arrival of the first tsunami wave is 0717 p.m. HST Tue 29, July 2025,” an alert from Maui County read. 

Meanwhile in Alaska, a warning was issued for the Aleutian Islands and an advisory for the Samalga Pass.  Waves are expected to reach Shemya at 4:46 p.m. Alaska Daylight time, and 5:46 p.m. AKDT in Adak.

A watch is issued as advance notice to areas that could potentially be impacted by a tsunami “at a later time.”