Tsunami Watch in California January 23 2018

A tsunami watch is in place for the west coast of the US following a reported 8.2 earthquake 175 miles off the coast of Alaska, which is currently under a tsunami warning.

Many residents near the epicentre in Kodiak were given a rude awakening as news of the seismic event was broadcast on different television and radio stations and local authorities began to evacuate low lying coast areas.

Earthquake in Alaska Today January 23 2018

A massive earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale has hit off the coast of Alaska, leading to a Tsunami warning being put in place.

Many people in the state, which has only a very sparse population, were awoken by the news that a tsunami may have been generated by the quake, which struck at 10km depth, although hitherto no official confirmation has been given.

Earthquake Prediction in California October 2016

A suprising warning has been issued by officials that there is an increased possibility of a moderate to strong earthquake striking southern California within the next few days.

A "Swarm" of smaller tremors set off the alert, due to the worry that these may have increased the pressure along the San Andres fault line.

Only two of the tremors were above 4.0 on the richter scale but the area that they hit are of particular concern of seismologists.

“This is close enough to be in that worry zone,” said seismologist Lucy Jones to Los Angeles Times. “It’s a part of California that the seismologists all watch.”