( KRON ) — A tsunami could bring fast-moving tides with strong currents and significant flooding that could cause “major damage” to the City of Alameda, according to the city. Alameda sent out an advisory Friday, about two weeks after a major earthquake off the coast of Northern California triggered a widespread tsunami warning.
In the alert, the city acknowledged the “alarming nature” of the initial tsunami warning that was sent broadly to coastal areas from Oregon to Santa Cruz and the “initial reaction to flee the island.” The city said it had assessed its tsunami risks and impacts under a worst-case scenario.
Small plane makes emergency landing on old Alameda Naval Air Station runway
That scenario, the city said, has a very low probability of occurring, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Unlike coastal areas near the ocean, Alameda could experience fast moving tides that would bring potential flooding and damage.
However, it would take about five hours for the flooding to reach the island.