Medford, Oregon- A tsunami advisory has been issued for parts of the southern Oregon and Northern California coast following a powerful magnitude 8.8 undersea earthquake that struck Tuesday afternoon near the Kuril Islands, off Russia’s eastern coast.
The quake occurred at approximately 1:15 PM PDT (8:15 AM local time Wednesday in Russia) and was centered about 130 miles southeast of Severo-Kurilsk, at a depth of about 22 miles, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The tremor originated in one of the most seismically active subduction zones in the world, where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the Okhotsk Plate. The region has produced several large and tsunami-generating earthquakes in the past, including a magnitude 8.3 event in 2006.
Following the quake, the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) issued a tsunami advisory for the coastline between Brookings, Oregon, and Crescent City, California. At this stage, a tsunami has not been confirmed, but the advisory indicates that dangerous waves are possible within the next 3 to 6 hours.
Officials say if a tsunami was generated, the earliest potential wave arrivals along the U.S. coastline could occur around 5:30 to 6:30 PM PDT, though exact timing depends on wave speed, ocean depth, and seismic dynamics.
Coastal residents are advised to remain vigilant, avoid beaches and harbors, and monitor official updates. Emergency response agencies in Curry County, Oregon, and Del Norte County, California, are coordinating with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management and California Office of Emergency Services to prepare in case of further developments.
No immediate reports of damage or injuries were reported in Russia, though assessments are ongoing. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is also monitoring conditions in Japan, Alaska, Hawaii, and other Pacific nations.
Tsunami watches can be upgraded to warnings or canceled depending on additional ocean and seismic data, including readings from deep-ocean tsunami sensors and coastal tide gauges. Officials are expected to provide another update by early evening.
This remains a developing situation.
6:57P UPDATE: Officials have moved the Tsunami Watch to a Tsunami Advisory.
8:30P UPDATE: A Tsunami Warning has been issued for the Crescent City area.
7/30/25 11:00A UPDATE:
The Tsunami Advisory is canceled for the coastal areas of Oregon and Washington from The Oregon California Border to the Washington Border.
However, authorities are still urging visitors to the coast to exercise cuation as large debris washes ashore during the next few days.
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Source: NWS Medford
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