No Tsunami Danger for California Coast After 7.3 Magnitude Alaska Earthquake

San Francisco, CA – The National Weather Service (NWS) Bay Area confirmed on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, that there is no danger of a tsunami on the California coast following a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Alaska. The assurance came as a significant seismic event prompted initial tsunami warnings for a lightly populated stretch of Alaska's southern coast.

The NWS Bay Area reiterated the safety message on social media, stating, > "There is no danger of a tsunami on the California coast from this earthquake. Repeating... There is no danger of a tsunami on the California coast from this earthquake." This clear communication aimed to alleviate concerns among California residents after the distant but strong temblor.

The earthquake, centered about 54 miles south of Sand Point in Alaska's Aleutian Chain, occurred around 12:37 p.m. local time. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the 7.3 magnitude event, which was felt across the Alaska Peninsula and southern Alaska.

Following the quake, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) initially issued a tsunami warning for a 700-mile stretch of the Alaska Peninsula, including communities like Cold Bay, Sand Point, and Kodiak. Residents in these areas were advised to move to higher ground.

However, the warning was subsequently downgraded to a tsunami advisory and later canceled by the National Tsunami Warning Center after evaluating sea-level data. Officials confirmed that no destructive tsunami waves were generated that would impact the alerted regions, nor did the threat extend to the U.S. West Coast, including California, Oregon, or Washington.

California's coastal areas are regularly monitored for seismic activity and potential tsunami threats. The prompt assessment and communication from agencies like the NWS Bay Area are crucial in distinguishing between localized warnings and broader regional impacts, ensuring public safety and preventing unnecessary evacuations.