Corona del Mar Beach Appears Calm, But City Urges Everyone Away From Ocean

Newport Beach was under a tsunami advisory Friday,  but that didn't stop about 100 people from gathering at Corona del Mar State Beach.

The tsunami warning was issued for Newport Beach due to the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that occurred in Japan. As of 10:30 a.m., small tidal surges were seen in the harbor. No evacuations were ordered, but Newport Elementary School was closed for the day as a precaution and the city of Newport Beach sent a message via Facebook and Twitter, telling everyone to stay off the beaches, pier and out of the ocean until an all-clear is called.

But that message didn't stop resident Gregory Bynes from taking his daily stroll along Little Corona Beach.

"I'm not too worried about anything like what happened in Japan," Bynes said referring to the devastating tsunami. "But I am keeping up on the news so if I am told to evacuate I will. But I think we are OK for now."

Jennifer Schulz of the Newport Beach Fire Department said residents should respect the warning.

"The state has advised us that we may have not seen the worst yet.  Therefore, the tsunami advisory may not be lifted for nine hours," Schulz said. "The beaches and piers are still closed.  We don't anticipate reopening them until at least 1:00 p.m."

Dr. Ken Hudnut of the U.S. Geological Survey cautioned that the first arriving waves may not be the biggest waves, which could hit about three hours afterward.

And in the event those anticipated waves cause damage here in Southern California, resident Tom Holkins made a plan of action with his sister, who lives in Seal Beach.

"We agreed to keep our phone with us throughout the day and we will stay in touch with each other more than ususal," he said. "We plan on staying away from the coast until we know for sure that our homes are safe. And we are both preparing an emergency kit."

Tsunami Safety Tips

1. When you feel an earthquake, or hear that one has taken place, and if you live along the coast, on Newport Peninsula, or one of the islands in Newport Harbor, evacuate immediately to higher ground.

2. If you are on the beach, go inland to higher ground.  

3. A tsunami is not a single wave, but a series of waves. Time between these great waves can be as long as 45 minutes from one wave to the next. Stay out of danger areas until law enforcement officials issue an "all-clear" message.

4. A small tsunami at one beach can be a giant wave a few miles away. Don’t let the modest size of one make you lose respect for all. 

5. The Tsunami Warning System does not issue false alarms. When an ocean-wide warning is issued, a tsunami exists. 

6. All tsunamis are potentially dangerous, even though they may not damage every coastline they strike. 

7. Never go to the beach to watch for a tsunami. When you can see the wave, you may be too close to escape it. 

Click here to view more information about tsunamis. The OC Tsunami Hotline can be reached at 714-628-7085.