Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Date & Time: September 29, 2009 4:00 PM
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services

At 10:48 AM on September 29th, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 8.0 occurred in the Samoa Islands region.

A Tsunami Advisory is in effect which includes the coastal areas of California and Oregon from the California-Mexico border to the Oregon-Washington border.

A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is imminent or expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

According to the National Weather Service, Ventura County can expect a minor wave up to one foot. The arrival time in Santa Barbara is expected at 9:03 p.m. this evening. The arrival time in Santa Monica is expected at 9:11 p.m.

For updated information, please visit the County of Ventura website and click on the Disaster Information page (www.countyofventura.org/disasterinformation).