Meanwhile, the National Weather Service downgraded the level of local tsunami risk from the undersea earthquake from the highest level, “Warning,” to “Advisory.” Officials caution that dangerous currents and surges are still possible in harbors and bays, and all persons are advised to stay out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors and marinas.
Evacuations of low-lying parts of Arcata have ended, and persons who had left their homes and businesses are now returning to their properties.
The tsunami waves caused noticeable rises in the harbor and coastal waterways, but no tsunami waves approached the campus. There is no historic record of a tsunami wave ever reaching the HSU campus. The university remains open, and Humboldt State’s on-campus classes and activities are proceeding as scheduled.
HSU officials are urging students travelling for Spring Break to be cautious and check road conditions in advance.
U.S. Highway 101 remains closed at a several points north of Trinidad, including around Crescent City. Updated highway conditions are available at http://www.dot.ca.gov or at 1-800-427-7623.
Stay tuned to local media or NOAA weather radio for updates, or visit the National Weather Service’s Tsunami site, http://tsunami.gov . A special NWS website is being updated hourly. Click here to view the site ».