Crime & Safety
UPDATE: Official Says Tsunami Wall Protects San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant
Southern Californians should be on the alert for possible big waves.
Officials from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station told the public not to fear that the plant could be compromised by high wave activity; the fortifications can stand much more than what's happening in the ocean now.
This is the text of an e-mail sent by plant spokesman Gil Alexander to Southern California media:
The waves that could reach the Southern California coastline shortly after 8 a.m. (Pacific) today due to the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan would pose no danger to the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The plant’s protective measures include a reinforced tsunami wall 30 feet above sea level.
Find out what's happening in San Clementewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The following is the text of a release from the city of San Clemente about the strong current caused by the Japanese earthquake last night:
In response to an 8.9 magnitude earthquake off the coast in Japan, and resulting tsunami advisory for California, the City of San Clemente activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as a precautionary measure.
Find out what's happening in San Clementewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The impact of this tsunami will be stronger than normal currents and possible higher than normal tidal surges along the beaches. Stay out of the water. There will be a strong outgoing tidal current at the same time the tsunami arrives. The combined effect could produce very strong currents in harbors and bays. A tsunami event is a series of waves that can last for several hours. The first wave is usually not the strongest.
The City’s emergency personnel at the Emergency Operations Center will coordinate activities with other agencies responding to events related to this earthquake should they arise. The City of San Clemente has closed its beaches, municipal pier and coastal trail until further notice.
There is no need for the public to take action at this time. If conditions warrant, instructions to the public will be broadcast over radio and television. City staff will continue monitoring the situation along with other government agencies until the emergency is terminated.
Do not call 9-1-1 unless you have a life threatening emergency. Please contact the Orange County Public Information Hotline at 714-628-7085 or the City of San Clemente at 949-361-8200.
Check back for updates. Earthquake magnitude information may change as officials issue new information.
Tsunami Alert Level Definition* Warning A Tsunami Warning means that all coastal residents in thewarning area who are near the beach or in low-lying regions should move immediately inland to higher ground and away from all harbors and inlets including those sheltered directly from the sea. Those feeling the earth shake, seeing unusual wave action, or the water level rising or receding may have only a few minutes before the tsunami arrival and should move immediately. Homes and small buildings are not designed to withstand tsunami impacts. Do not stay in these structures. Watch A Tsunami Watch means all coastal residents in the watch areashould prepare for possible evacuation. A tsunami watch is issued to areas which will not be immediately impacted by the tsunami. Watch areas will either be upgraded to warning or advisory status, or canceled. Advisory A Tsunami Advisory means that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected. Significant, widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.* Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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