Volcano eruption sends tsunami to Washington Coast

Waves of 1-3 feet above normal were expected to strike the Washington coast Saturday morning amid a tsunami warning for the West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Evacuations of the Washington coast were not ordered. But people were told to prepare for strong currents and waves along the north and central coast, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the San Juan Islands. People are advised to move off the beach, harbors, bays, and marinas.

The National Weather Service also warned "the first wave of a tsunami may not be the largest or the most destructive. Stay away from the beach for the duration of the tsunami event."

Early measurements from the NWS indicate that La Push and Neah Bay on the coast saw waves of less than a foot. The NWS adds that more waves could follow.

The tsunami warning was prompted by an eruption of an underwater volcano in the Pacific Ocean, near the nation of Tonga, which sent waves toward the West Coast and Alaska. High waves were reported along Alaska. Minor flooding was reported in California. And boats were reportedly tossed on top of docks in Hawaii.

In Tonga, residents fled for higher ground. No injuries were reported. Communication with the country has largely been cut off. The Associated Press reports that an underwater cable that provides internet to the nation was likely damaged. The country's leader, King Tupou VI, was evacuated from his palace near the shoreline.

The NWS estimated that the waves would move through the region between about 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

• La Push: 8:45 a.m.
• Neah Bay: 8:50 a.m.
• Westport: 8:50 a.m.
• Moclips : 8:55 a.m.
• Port Angeles: 9:30 a.m.
• Port Townsend: 9:55 a.m.

Via Twitter, Harold Tobin, director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, noted that 3-foot tsunami waves can cause considerable damage and are not like traditional waves.