By Donna Westfall – January 23 2018 – Tsunami Alert issued for West Coast. 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck 175 miles southeast of Kodiak, Alaska, shortly after midnight Alaska local time. Originally issued as 8.2 magnitude. Tsunami warnings are in effect for southeast and south Alaska, including the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands, as well as British Columbia in Canada. Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is expected or occurring. Warnings indicate that widespread dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arriv Tsunami watch is in effect for California, Oregon and Washington, according to the Tsunami Warning Center. Recommended actions Actions to protect human life and property willvary within tsunami warning areas. If you are in a tsunami warning area: Evacuate inland or to higher ground above and beyond designated tsunami hazard zones or move to an upper floor of a multi-story building depending on your situation. If you are in a tsunami watch area: Prepare to take action and stay alert for further information. Additional Information and Next Update: The tsunami watch message will remain in effect until further notice. The Tsunami that hit Crescent City in 1964 was as a result of a 9.2 magnitude earthquake in Prince William Sound region of Alaska.: Tsunami watch CANCELLED for Crescent City, California 5:20 AM. PST. January 23rd per the Del Norte County Office of Emergency Services. Ways to prepare and stay safe: Stay away from the beach. Tsunamis can travel hundreds of miles per hour, so you can’t escape if you’re close enough to see one. If you’re on the beach and the tide suddenly goes out, head inland immediately. A tsunami is coming and you may only have minutes to escape. If instructed to evacuate, leave immediately with your family and pets. Even a short delay to pack possessions could put you in danger. Move to higher ground. Find a place that’s at least 100 ft (30 m) above sea level or 2 mi (3 km) inland. Help children, seniors, and people with disabilities reach safety. They may not be able to do so on their own.