The U.S. Geological Survey issued a tsunami alert tonight for the West Coast from Alaska to the Mexican border following a 7.4 earthquake that struck 90 miles northwest of Eureka, Calif.
While the agency is not predicting a tsunami, it is warning those in low-lying areas along the coast to be alert for emergency warnings from local officials.
If a tsunami is generated, it is predicted to hit Crescent City, Calif., first at 8:29 p.m., followed minutes later in Charleston, Ore., and at 9:23 in San Francisco. The arrival time in the Los Angeles Harbor area of San Pedro is set for 10 p.m. and in La Jolla at 10:14 p.m.
The quake occurred at 7:50 p.m. Pacific time 83 miles west of Trinidad, Calif. The depth of the quake was estimated at 25 miles.
"It is not known – repeat not known – if a tsunami exists but a tsunami may have been generated," warned the USGS.
The service said a series of waves could be generated making it dangerous in beach areas for several hours.