Latest on Tonga Volcano and Tsunami - January 15, 2022
The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano, located about 3,282 km (2,039 miles) east of Brisbane, Australia, erupted around 0410 GMT Saturday or 10:10 PM CT Friday shooting ash up to 20 km (12 miles) into the air with a radius of 260 km (160 miles) according to the Tonga Geological Services. The volcano had a preliminary magnitude of 1.0.
Google satellite image of the Hunga-Tonga Island with the Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano to the south-southeast of the Island.
Tsunami warnings were issued all across the region initially surrounding the volcano. A surge of around 83 cm (2.7 feet) was reported in the Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa, and two-foot waves were reported at Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
Tsunami Advisories were also issued for Alaska and the Western Coast of the United States prompting the closing of county beaches, harbors, and piers in Orange County California according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department for the threat of dangerous currents and tidal surges. The first waves of the tsunami have already reached parts of the Western United States and Alaska with the following observations from the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska listed below. Based on the gravity wave theory in its simplest form, the tsunami speed would be estimated to be approximately 713 km/hr (443 mph). The velocity is proportional to the square root of the sum of the water depth and the wave height. With a measured distance of 9,089 km from the approximate volcano location to Portland, Oregon, and a reported 2-meter wave height 12 hours after the explosion, the average speed observed was 757 km/hr (470 mph).
Nikolski, Alaska: 1.2 feet
Atka, Alaska: 1.0 foot
Adak, Alaska: 1.0 foot
King Cove, Alaska: 1.0 foot
Monterey, Calif.: 0.7 feet
As of 10 AM, here are some of the latest observed tsunami wave heights. La Push and Neah Bay both have been less than 1 ft so far. But remember: A tsunami is a series of waves and subsequent waves may be larger than the first one. pic.twitter.com/8GwnkPhWXM
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 15, 2022
The Tsunami Advisory was canceled for Hawaii but continues for the remainder of the West Coast of the United States and Alaska as 1 to 3 foot surges are still likely over the next few hours. The National Weather Service is urging people to stay away beaches and jetties until further notice.
At this time there are no immediate reports of injuries or damage from either the volcano or tsunami, but this is still a developing story. Please check back for the latest updates.
Neskowin, Oregon this morning! #tsunamitonga #TSUNAMI pic.twitter.com/YQJjaFL5w1
— retelling•the•recipe (@tiggirltk) January 15, 2022
More tsunami footage from our neighbors to the north on Vancouver Island. Tsunami waves don't act like normal waves and can overrun beaches quickly. Further evidence that beaches are not the place to be today. #wawx https://t.co/DpmJ40v60B
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) January 15, 2022
