LOS ANGELES (AP) — The U.S. West Coast is under a tsunami watch following an 8.9-magnitude earthquake off northeastern Japan.
The West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center says a watch is in effect for Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California and British Columbia.
The center says people in coastal communities should be on alert and prepare for possible evacuation.
The first waves are expected to hit San Francisco at 8:16 a.m., Santa Barbara at 8:24 a.m., Santa Monica at 8:39 a.m. and La Jolla at 8:48 a.m.