UPDATE NOON:  The most current information can be found here.

UPDATE 10:30 from county services: Crescent City Harbor had 35 boats crushed against the docks, which were also destroyed.  The surge threatened to overtop the breakwater, but has not done so yet.  There are no reports of damage to homes.

Santa Cruz reports 3 boats damaged, and 2 million-dollar docks are adrift at this time. No reports of damage from Mendocino or Sonoma at this time. Here in Humboldt the first wave surge is reported to have crossed Highway 101 at Freshwater.  The surge at Eureka’s small boat basin was reported at 5’, and apparently tossed some boats against each other, but no damage is reported.

The water has since receded, but there are more surges yet to come which could be even higher.

Bear in mind that we are at low tide right now (10:11) and future surges will be made worse as the tide comes in through the day with high tide at 4:46.  We could well see an increase in wave size, turbulence and intensity.

UPDATE  10:50 from Mendocino Sheriff

In Mendocino County the threat HAS NOT passed.  If you are contacted please let people know that it is quite possible the worse is yet to come. There have been numerous 7.0 or larger aftershocks and the experts indicate we could see Tsunami events continue through this afternoon and into the evening.

At this time it is very early but so far we have not received any reports of damages or injuries.  However, please be vigilant as often folks think the event has passed and go back to their routines, only to be surprised later.

UPDATE 11:20 More video from Santa Cruz.

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In the photo above provided by Supervisor Mark Lovelace, the OES  (Office of Emergency Services  in Eureka)  coordinates services and prepares Humboldt’s response to today’s tsunami warnings.  Japan’s 8.9 earthquake late last night has set towering waves surging across the ocean.  Twitter feeds are buzzing with stories of boats getting serious damage in Crescent City.  Here is one: “RT @sethd85 This just in from @Tara85’s mom: “The docks are gone. 35 to 40 boats destroyed in our harbor.”

Here is a joint press release from county services:

In response to a tsunami warning issued for the coastal areas of California, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has enacted VOLUNTARY evacuations for the low lying areas of Humboldt County and recommends residents in those areas move to higher ground and inland. The Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services is advising this is now a declared disaster. Redwood Acres has been established as the evacuation center. Areas of concern include the Arcata Bottoms, the Samoa Peninsula, the North and South Spits, the Humboldt Bay lowlands area from Second Street to the bay and from Broadway to the bay, Indian Island and Woodley Island in Eureka, King Salmon, Fields Landing, the Loleta Bottoms, and the Ferndale are west of Dillon and Meridian Roads. All City of Eureka, City of Arcata elementary school district, McKinleyville Elementary and Crescent City schools have been closed as well as the following Humboldt County schools: Orick, Freshwater, South Bay, and Garfield. College of the Redwoods is closed as well. PG & E has established rolling outages for the next 2 hours to lighten their power load. The first wave hit our coast approximately 0730 hrs. in Shelter Cove with about 3 foot waves. The first wave may not be the only wave nor the highest, and wave action may last as long as 12 hours after the first wave. DO NOT go to “watch” the wave. Local law enforcement agencies are reporting significant drawdown in the water level in several coastal areas. Listen to LOCAL TV, radio, and NOAA weather radio for further advisories and instructions. We are also recommending residents with access to a computer go to www.humboldt.edu/rctwg/ to see if their location is within the threatened areas. Avoid unnecessary travel if you are already within a safe area. California Highway Patrol has closed US101 North of Orick at the 101 bypass, and south of Orick at Cane Road.

Caltrans traffic cam at Spruce point (just south of Eureka) is pointed out to the Bay so you can check it out. Here is Fire Law and Emergency Medical service live feed so you can follow. Here is live stream of the boats getting damaged in the Santa Cruz harbor.   Mendocino has issued the following warning:

Those persons living at or up to one hundred feet (150’) above sea level were given the opportunity to voluntarily evacuate to higher ground. The following road closures will remain in place until the Tsunami threat has passed:  Highway 1 at Highway 128 and Elk at or near Highway 1 north. The following schools have closed for the day: Mendocino School District.  Point Arena and Manchester Schools will be delayed until approximately 1000. Those persons who evacuated from their residence can find shelter at either the Fort Bragg Senior Center or the Point Arena High School Gymnasium.

In the midst of our concern with the North Coast, don’t forget Japan—Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 in the US, or to 30333 if you’re in Canada.

Meanwhile, some Humboldt residents are ready to ride the wave. (unknown photographer on facebook -if anyone knows who these kids are and who took the photo please let me know.)