Written: July 31, 2025 – 18:00 (U.S. Pacific Time)

A powerful earthquake off Russia’s eastern coast triggered tsunami waves across the Pacific, reaching as high as 4 feet in Crescent City, California—the tallest waves recorded in the continental U.S. from this event. Despite the town’s long and deadly history with tsunamis, no injuries or major flooding were reported.

Small Coastal City with a Long Tsunami History

Crescent City, located near the Oregon border, is no stranger to tsunamis. With a population of around 6,600, the town has experienced at least 41 tsunami events since 1933, according to local records. Its unique geography—particularly the Mendocino Fracture Zone just offshore—funnels and amplifies tsunami energy, making it one of the most vulnerable communities along the West Coast.

The waves that struck on Wednesday were triggered by a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Far East. While tsunami warnings were issued for several areas around the Pacific Rim, Crescent City ultimately recorded the highest wave activity on the U.S. mainland—peaking at 4 feet (1.22 meters), according to the National Weather Service.

Although smaller than past surges, such as the deadly 21-foot wave in 1964, the event once again put the city’s preparedness systems to the test.

“A lot of people who aren’t from here did evacuate. But they ended up coming right back because nothing happened,” said Rose Renee, an employee at Oceanfront Lodge, which overlooks the iconic Battery Point Lighthouse.

Harbor Damage, But No Injuries Reported

One of the few structures impacted was a dock at Crescent City Harbor. According to Harbormaster Mike Rademaker, a surge of water dislodged the dock from its pilings around 2:40 a.m., eventually submerging it. Fortunately, the dock was built to absorb wave energy and protect the inner harbor, and it appears to have functioned as designed.

Despite the damage, downtown businesses reopened by mid-morning, and no injuries or residential flooding were reported. However, officials urged continued caution.

“There are still strong tidal currents and fluctuations,” said City Manager Eric Weir. “It’s not yet safe to return to the beach.”

Weir warned that people often underestimate the dangers of tsunamis during seemingly calm conditions and noted that past incidents have led to fatalities simply because someone was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The 1964 Tsunami: A Lasting Legacy

The 1964 tsunami remains the most catastrophic in Crescent City’s history. Triggered by a 9.2-magnitude earthquake in Alaska, the wave that struck the city killed 11 people, destroyed 29 blocks, and left lasting scars.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the combined death toll from the earthquake and tsunami reached 124 people: 106 in Alaska, 13 in California, and 5 in Oregon.

Today, Crescent City memorializes this tragedy with a walking tour through downtown, showcasing high-water marks, artifacts swept inland, and monuments honoring the victims.

Another notable event occurred in March 2011, when a tsunami generated by Japan’s devastating earthquake killed one person in Crescent City and heavily damaged the harbor.

A Culture of Preparedness

Over the decades, Crescent City has developed a proactive tsunami readiness program. According to Max Blair, a volunteer at the Del Norte Historical Society, the town conducts annual tsunami drills, maintains emergency sirens, and issues alerts through cellphone networks and local KCRE radio.

“We evacuate if it’s forecast to be a big wave,” Blair said. “But the first wave came in at low tide and it was only a couple feet, so we just stayed away from the beach.”

In the event of a larger tsunami threat, residents are directed to higher ground, usually a Walmart parking lot located about 2 miles (3.22 kilometers) inland.

The city’s official website underscores the urgency of fast response: in the case of a near-shore earthquake, residents may have only minutes to evacuate before waves arrive. The majority of downtown lies within the tsunami run-up zone, placing it at significant risk.

Scientists: Tsunami Risk Still Present

Meteorologist James White from the National Weather Service in Eureka said the Crescent City coast experienced the strongest tidal movements on the U.S. mainland from Wednesday’s event.

Although wave activity began to diminish by late morning, city officials warned that rip currents and unstable tidal conditions would persist through the day.

“We urge everyone to stay out of the water until we give the all-clear,” Weir reiterated.

Conclusion

Crescent City’s experience underscores the importance of coastal preparedness, especially for communities with long-standing vulnerability to tsunamis. While this week’s event caused minimal damage, it served as a powerful reminder that the city’s risk is ongoing—and readiness can mean the difference between life and death.

Residents and visitors alike are urged to follow official guidance, stay alert during seismic activity, and avoid beach areas during advisory periods.

Source: AP News – A tiny California city prone to tsunamis saw the highest waves in continental US after quake

The post Crescent City Sees Highest U.S. Tsunami Waves After Russia Quake appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

(Valid for broadcast until the next advisory at 11:00 AM today)

Overview
Super Typhoon “Pepito” has passed over the waters north of Calaguas Islands and is now situated over the sea east of Quezon.

Hazards Affecting Land Areas

• Heavy Rainfall Outlook:
  Refer to Weather Advisory No. 50 issued at 8:00 AM today for the latest heavy rainfall forecast associated with “Pepito.”
• Severe Winds:
  The wind signals provide a warning of the general wind threat in areas affected by the tropical cyclone. Winds may be slightly stronger in coastal and upland/mountainous regions exposed to the prevailing winds. Areas sheltered from the wind direction will experience less intensity.
  • Wind Signal No. 5: Extreme impacts from typhoon-force winds are expected.
  • Wind Signal No. 4: Significant to severe impacts from typhoon-force winds are possible.
  • Wind Signal No. 3: Moderate to significant impacts from storm-force winds are expected.
  • Wind Signal No. 2: Minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are likely.
  • Wind Signal No. 1: Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible.
• Coastal Inundation:
  There is a high risk of life-threatening storm surges, with peak surge heights exceeding 3.0 meters over the next 48 hours. The following areas are at risk:
  • Ilocos Region (western coast), Isabela, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Marinduque, and Bicol Region.
    For detailed information, refer to Storm Surge Warning No. 10 issued at 8:00 AM today.

Hazards Affecting Coastal Waters

• Gale Warning:
  A Gale Warning is in effect over the eastern, western, and southern seaboards of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Visayas. For more details, refer to Gale Warning No. 13 issued at 5:00 AM today.
• Sea Condition Outlook:
  Sea conditions are expected to be very rough, with waves up to 14.0 meters in some areas. Mariners are advised to remain in port or seek shelter until conditions improve.
  • Very Rough Seas (Up to 14.0m): Northern and eastern seaboards of Polillo Islands; seaboard of Aurora
  • High Seas (Up to 12.0m): Seaboard of Camarines Norte
  • Rough Seas (Up to 4.0m): Seaboards of Batanes, northern Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands), Zambales
  • Moderate Seas (Up to 2.5m): Western seaboard of Bataan; eastern seaboard of Dinagat Islands

  Mariners of small vessels are advised not to venture out to sea, especially if inexperienced or operating ill-equipped boats.

Track and Intensity Outlook

• Movement:
  PEPITO is expected to continue moving west-northwestward over the waters north of Camarines Provinces and east of Quezon this morning. By late morning, it will pass close to or over Polillo Islands.
  • Landfall: The typhoon will make landfall over northern Quezon or central/southern Aurora between noon and afternoon today.
  • After Landfall: It will cross the northern portion of Central Luzon and the southern portion of Northern Luzon, passing through the upland areas of Sierra Madre, Caraballo, and Cordillera Central by this afternoon and evening.
  • Emerging over the West Philippine Sea: PEPITO will emerge over the coastal waters of Pangasinan or La Union tonight or early tomorrow (18 November). It will continue to move generally west-northwestward, and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by tomorrow afternoon.

  It is important to note that areas outside the forecasted landfall and confidence cone may still experience heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surges.

• Intensity:
  PEPITO is expected to slightly weaken as it approaches its second landfall. After crossing mainland Luzon, it will likely weaken into a severe tropical storm. Further weakening is expected over the West Philippine Sea due to the incoming northeasterly wind surge.

Current Status

• Location of Eye/Center: The center of PEPITO’s eye is located over the coastal waters of Vinzons, Camarines Norte (14.9°N, 123.1°E).
• Movement: Moving northwestward at 15 km/h.
• Strength: Maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, with gusts reaching up to 230 km/h.

Conclusion
Residents in affected areas should stay informed and follow advisories issued by local authorities. It is crucial to prepare for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and coastal inundation. Stay indoors and secure property, especially in coastal and highland areas.

Please monitor official weather reports for updates and stay safe.

Source

The post Typhoon Pepito Update: Preparing for Severe Weather and Storm Surge in the Philippines appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.