Bay Area residents are on high alert after an 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting the National Tsunami Warning Center to issue a Tsunami Advisory for coastal regions from Mendocino to Monterey counties.

The advisory, which went into effect Tuesday evening, warns of potential strong currents and dangerous waves that could impact ocean and bayside communities including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. While widespread flooding is not expected, officials stress that tsunamis can create hazardous conditions many hours after the initial wave.

Experts caution that the first wave may not be the largest, and residents should remain vigilant. The National Weather Service recommends staying away from beaches, harbors, and waterways if conditions escalate to a Tsunami Warning.

Key safety recommendations include moving inland and to higher ground, monitoring official tsunami alert websites like tsunami.gov, and staying informed through local emergency channels. The Tsunami Advisory underscores the unpredictable nature of seismic events and the importance of preparedness in coastal regions.

As of Tuesday evening, the Tsunami Warning Center continues to monitor the situation closely, with the potential to upgrade the advisory to a full Tsunami Warning if conditions worsen. Bay Area residents are advised to stay informed and follow guidance from local emergency management officials.

For real-time updates and additional information, residents can check official tsunami alert resources and local emergency management websites.