An earthquake off the coast of Alaska prompted a tsunami warning from Alaska all the way down to California. All warnings and watches have since been canceled. USA TODAY
Tsunami fears that put authorities on edge along the entire U.S. West Coast dissipated Tuesday when the tsunami that materialized off Alaska following a violent earthquake failed to generate dangerous waves.
The magnitude-7.9 earthquake, centered deep in the waters off the Gulf of Alaska about 175 miles southeast of Kodiak Island, rocked much of the state and triggered tsunami warnings and watches along the entire U.S. West Coast.
Hours later, the National Tsunami Center canceled all warnings and watches, but not before many Alaskans along hundreds of miles of coastline were sent scurrying to higher ground. And the center warned that it might not be safe for all residents who evacuated to return home.
"Do not re-occupy hazard zones until local emergency officials indicate it is safe to do so," the center warned in a statement.
Tsunami watches have been canceled for Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii and British Columbia. Officials in Japan say there is no tsunami threat there.
Kodiak resident Eric Cusson told the Anchorage Daily News that hundreds of cars had driven up Pillar Mountain, the site of the town's wind turbines.
"Pretty much everyone in town went up Pillar Mountain," he said.
The quake struck at a depth of 6 miles at 12:31 a.m. local time (4:31 a.m. ET) Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said. It was initially reported as magnitude-8.2 earthquake. There were no immediate reports of any damage.
Warnings from the National Weather Service sent to cellphones in Alaska soon after he quake said: “Emergency Alert. Tsunami danger on the coast. Go to high ground or move inland.”
People said on social media that the tremblor was felt hundreds of miles away in Anchorage.
"A tsunami was generated by this event, but no longer poses a threat," the center said. in a statement. "Some areas may continue to see small sea level changes."
Mickey Varnadao, a computer specialist with the center in Palmer, Alaska, said the alert was canceled after major waves failed to materialize on the Alaska coast. Measuring stations found maximum tsunami heights of less than 1 foot.
Lt. Tim Putney, of the Kodiak Police Department, said: “We haven’t seen anything yet or had any reports of a wave.”
Authorities in Kodiak told people living under the 10-foot mark to move to higher ground. Putney said the town has several shelters above 100-foot.
Contributing: The Associated Press