Tsunami Advisory Issued for Beaches

A massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Japan on Friday could send high tides, waves and currents to the Southern California coastline, including here in the Rancho Palos Verdes area, according to officials.

The National Weather Service issued a tsunami advisory for the area early Friday. 

Los Angeles County coastal residents are encouraged to stay away from currents, Manhattan Beach police Sgt. Ron Walker told news services.

Currents could be hazardous to swimmers, surfers, and boats. 

Wave heights are expected to reach between two and three feet along the Southern California coast from Santa Barbara to Long Beach, according to the National Weather Service. 

They might continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival, which is predicted to be around 8:30 a.m. Friday (see accompanying National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration graphic).

The earthquake in Japan unleashed a monster 10-meter high tsunami that destroyed buildings and sent ships crashing into the shoreline. 

Patch will report on more information as it is released.

— City News Service contributed to this story.