Tsunami Warning for Bay Area Coast — No Changes in BART Services at this Time

UPDATE: BART says no service changes are planned at this time. We continue to monitor the situation in both Hawaii and Northern California, and we are hopeful given the information that's coming in. Given the nature of our underground tunnels and stations we are exercising extreme caution. The situation could change quickly and we will update you as soon as possible if anything changes.

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A tsunami warning has been issued for San Francisco Bay Area coastal areas following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan Thursday morning. 

According to California Beat, the National Weather Service’s West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center says that high waves and dangerous currents are projected to reach San Francisco around 8:08 a.m. Friday, and to continue for several hours after the first wave hits.

Authorities are warning people, including people in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, to stay away from low-lying coastal areas and out of the water. This tsunami warning suggests widespread coastal flooding followed by the possibility of powerful currents.

The earthquake struck off Japan's north cast, about 230 miles from Tokyo, at 2:46 p.m. Friday local time. It triggered a wave that caused widespread damage and deaths in Japan. 

The National Weather Service says that earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude or higher, striking anywhere in the Pacific Ocean Basin, nicknamed the Ring of Fire, can produce tsunamis that can travel thousands of miles. A 1964 9.2 magnitude quake in Alaska caused a tsunami that hit Crescent City on California's far north coast and killed 11 people.  

Tsunamis generated by earthquakes nearby or far away can also penetrate into San Francisco Bay and up coastal rivers, harbors and bays, but lose energy as they move further inland.

The National Weather Service has activated its emergency alert system, issuing warnings on TV and radio.