UPDATE: As of 3 p.m., the Tsunami advisory for the BC coast has ended.
— original:
A Tsunami advisory has been issued for Vancouver Island this morning after a volcanic eruption near the Tonga Islands.
The alert was triggered was at around 5 a.m. Saturday morning.
A #Tsunami Advisory means: a dangerous wave is on the way. Strong and unusual currents are expected along the coast, and in bays, marinas, and harbors. Move to high ground and away from the shore. More at https://t.co/npoUHxEZLS. pic.twitter.com/MCLDdN9qPp
— NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) January 15, 2022
The alert includes the west coast of Vancouver Island spanning from Greater Victoria to Cape Scott and includes the Saanich Peninsula.
No significant inundation of water is expected, but low lying coastal areas and beaches may be at risk.
This advisory is expected to remain in place for several hours. The CRD are advising people to stay away from the water until the “all clear” announcement has been made.
An Emerg Ops Centre is being stood up in the Alberni Valley to evaluate the risk and take action as necessary after a volcanic eruption may have produced a tsunami. NO ACTION REQ at this time for PA. Download https://t.co/emP6qid56o if you haven’t already. #tsunami pic.twitter.com/fzCp44y9SY
— Port Alberni Fire (@portalbernifire) January 15, 2022
BC Emergency Management is also asking residents to avoid all shorelines and marinas in the impacted areas.
Waves are expected to hit Tofino’s shorelines around 8:50 a.m. this morning. Beaches in the area have been closed as a safety precaution.
The tsunami was triggered by an undersea volcanic eruption that occurred off the coast of the South Pacific country of Tonga Friday night.
Satellite video shows the volcano eruption near #Tonga Friday night that set off the #Tsunami advisory for #VancouverIsland this morning. #britishcolumbia pic.twitter.com/9kjCDVqjQe
— Victoria Buzz (@victoriabuzzes) January 15, 2022
A Tsunami advisory means strong and unusual currents are expected along the coast, and in bays, marinas, and harbours.
No evacuations are required.
Please avoid beaches for now until the all-clear is given. #esquimalt #yyj #tsunami https://t.co/vyfIg8SQ13
— TownshipOfEsquimalt (@EsquimaltBC) January 15, 2022
More to come.
