A tsunami advisory was issued for the North Coast Saturday after an underwater volcanic eruption near the Tonga Islands mobilized area emergency services and responders, first reported to produce waves reaching one to three feet. 

Wave heights were highest close to 9  a.m., Cannon Beach Emergency Manager Rick Hudson said. “We did not measure the waves but they represented close to a low king tide level.”

Officials say tsunamis often arrive as a series of waves or surges which could pose a threat for many hours after the first wave. The first tsunami wave or surge may not be the highest in the series.

Tsunami advisories mean that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected or is already occurring. Areas in the advisory should not expect widespread inundation. Tsunamis are a series of waves dangerous many hours after initial arrival time.

Officials warned residents and visitors not to go to the coast to watch the tsunami and to be alert to instructions from local emergency officials.

Officials expected the tsunami to be hazardous to swimmers, boats and buildings along the beach.

The first waves arrived at the Oregon Coast around 8 a.m.

At about 1:30 p.m., Clatsop County Emergency Management posted that the tsunami advisory is still in effect. “All agencies are continuing to monitor marine activity while awaiting updates/cancellation from NOAA. Continue to stay off and away from beaches, ports, harbors and marinas until the cancellation notice is received.” 

Shortly after 5 p.m., the advisory was canceled.