The 8.3-magnitude earthquake that shook Chile Wednesday also caused officials to issue a tsunami advisory for parts of coastal California and Hawaii, leading them to warn locals from both states to exercises caution along shorelines.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center first issued a serious tsunami watch for Hawaii after the Chilean temblor, but later downgraded it to an advisory, stating that no major tsunami was expected in the state, reported the Associated Press. They did warn however, that sea level changes and dangerous currents could pose a threat to those in or near the water.
"The public is advised to use extreme caution and prepare for a tsunami wave forecasted to generate strong currents and surf throughout the main Hawaii Islands," the Coast Guard said.
A similar advisory was issued for southern and central California, predicted to impact about 300 miles of coastline stretching from the end of Orange County to the majority of San Luis Obispo County on the central coast, according to Fox News.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Adrian Diaz revealed early Thursday that beaches south of Los Angeles are witnessing strong currents and a surge of about a foot, though he admits that such conditions aren't unusual for at this time of year.
While seemingly in the clear, Southern California can't rest just yet. In 2010, an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Chile sent waves as high as three feet to Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara, according to The Los Angeles Times.
All in all, while both states aren't expected to be in any particular danger, both states have urged locals to refrain from engaging in any waterfront activities.
