A Tsunami Advisory has been issued for the entire Bay Area coast due to the eruption of an underwater volcano in the South Pacific.
Tsunami waves raising water levels one to three feet were expected to hit the San Francisco coastline at around 8:10 a.m., peak at 9:09 a.m. and continue to surge into the afternoon, bringing strong rip currents, coastal flooding and inundation of low lying areas.
In a Twitter post, climate scientist Daniel Swain explained that the tsunami surges will most likely be similar to a sudden onset of high King Tides. "Disruptive, but not destructive in most cases," he said. "Still a good idea to stay away from immediate shoreline!"
Some evacuations have begun in Santa Cruz Harbor due to flooding. Photos and videos shared to social media show cars floating away as a parking lot fills with water. The Santa Cruz beach was closed as tsunami debris lined the sand, but has since been reopened.
An evacuation order, issued by Alameda County Office of Emergency Services, is in effect for Berkeley Marina boats, docks and shoreline.
Rapid tsunami surges of up to three feet have been reported in Marin County as the sheriff's office warned residents to avoid traveling to coastal areas to observe the waves. "Currents are extremely strong and unpredictable," officials said.
In a tweet, Gov. Gavin Newsom asked California residents to listen to local advisories, stay safe and stay off beaches that are under a warning. San Francisco Fire Department patrolled Ocean Beach Saturday morning, warning beachgoers of the Tsunami Advisory, as some were unaware.
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano erupted Saturday morning 40 miles off the coast of Tonga.
The National Weather Service warned that water level surges can overwhelm and overtake people and pull them out to sea.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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