California under tsunami watch after 8.7M quake in Eastern Russia

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8.7 that occurred in Eastern Russia has prompted a tsunami watch for coastal areas that include the California coastline, including in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

The quake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, struck at 4:25 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time at a depth of around 11 miles 80 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk Kamchatka. 

“Tsunami watches are an advance notice to areas that could be impacted by a tsunami at a later time,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “Watch areas may be upgraded to a warning or advisory status, or canceled, based on new information.” 

Residents in coastal areas under a tsunami watch are urged to stay alert for additional updates and be aware of estimated tsunami start times, some of which include the following:  

• L.A. Harbor, July 30 at 1:05 a.m.

• Santa Barbara, July 30 at 12:50 a.m.

• Newport Beach, July 30 at 1:10 a.m.

• La Jolla, July 30 at 1:15 a.m.

• San Francisco, July 30 at 12:50 a.m.

The tsunami watch will remain in effect until further notice.

This developing story will be updated when additional information is made available.