Why was the Alaska tsunami warning canceled?
Early Tuesday morning, January 23rd, an earthquake hit parts of Alaska and the west coast of the United States and Canada. Authorities promptly issued a tsunami warning for a large stretch of the West Coast. Four hours later, they canceled the warning, stating, “additional information and analysis have better defined the threat,” according to the National Tsunami Warning Center. No casualties have been reported.
Alaska-based research geologist Peter J. Haeussler spoke with the New York Times to share why he thought the warning was canceled. He explained that the earthquake most likely occurred “at a point where it bends as it starts to slide under the continent.” This would have made the direction of the earthquake horizontal, and therefore less likely to cause a major tsunami.
The 7.9 magnitude earthquake was felt by residents all over the state. “It was a very long, slow build up. Creepy, more than anything. Definitely the longest, and I was born here,” Heather Rand, who was in Anchorage, Alaska, told CNN.
Tue Jan 23 09:38:01 UTC 2018 event picture pic.twitter.com/AHbKZ8xPuJ
— NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) January 23, 2018
After the earthquake struck, tsunami sirens began to sound in Kodiak, Alaska, according to the Times. Authorities advised residents to evacuate to somewhere further inland, above ground, and especially away from bodies of water. But just four hours later, as residents were already fleeing their homes, the tsunami was deemed to no longer be a threat, and officials canceled the warning.
The #tsunami warning is canceled for the coastal areas of British Columbia and #Alaska from WA/BC border to Hinchinbrook Entrance, AK, per JTWC. A tsunami was generated but does not pose a threat to these areas. #akwx
— NWS Juneau (@NWSJuneau) January 23, 2018
The tsunami warning was also issued and subsequently canceled in San Francisco. However, officials still warned residents to stay away from bodies of water, as there could be unpredictable currents.
Tsunami Watch CANCELLED in #SF, but shoreline areas, marinas, & harbors may have dangerous, strong, & unpredictable currents. Stay away from coastlines for at least 12 hours. Visit https://t.co/kvgkapMonx to learn more about tsunami preparedness. pic.twitter.com/Dq6D1c9jcR
— San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (@SF_emergency) January 23, 2018
Many Alaska residents took to Twitter to share their experience.
One person shared a video of a base evacuation, and viewers can clearly hear alarms.
Just evacuated after a 8.2M earthquake off the coast of Kodiak! Everyone stay safe!!! @cnnbrk @ABC pic.twitter.com/9huqsZgqom
— Olivia Apitz (@olivia_apitzz) January 23, 2018
Photos also emerged of people gathered at emergency centers.
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/955761245323440128
Others shared messages to notify friends that they were safe.
So far we are ok and sheltering together, listening to radio – sirens still going and warning in effect. Stay safe out there peeps, and get to higher ground. #earthquake #alaska #kodiak pic.twitter.com/E6gCWegvWq
— Lisa Hupp (@LisaHupp) January 23, 2018
Some people expressed genuine fear.
I know it says we're safe but being a Midwest boy who has never experienced and earthquake/tsunami i would be lying and an idiot if I didn't say that I'm on edge big time right now…
— Goobers515 (@Goobers515) January 23, 2018
First time I've had a tsunami warning in my life. I'm in the "lol, this can't be real. It's not real, right? Please say it's not real" stage right now.
— Sir Venskellington Esq. XII 🇨🇦 Meatsuit Pilot (@HeyVendy) January 23, 2018
I packed so freaking fast idk what I even have for survival
— Hailey Thompson (@Haileymarit) January 23, 2018
While some dealt with their feelings through humor.
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/955747743040811008
Anybody want to admit they have crush on me before the tsunami hits?
— Xavier (@Thrasherboyx) January 23, 2018
false
3 am and about to die to a tsunami and my girlfriend still can’t even text me back smh what is love
— zzzcasey (@CuteLesbianGirl) January 23, 2018
We hope everyone in Alaska and on the West Coast stays safe.