UPDATE: As of 3 p.m., the Tsunami advisory for the BC coast has ended.

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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.

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.

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.

A Tsunami advisory means strong and unusual currents are expected along the coast, and in bays, marinas, and harbours.

No evacuations are required.

More to come.

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