While it's not expected to produce a series of undulating waves, today's tsunami has triggered an advisory along the coasts of California and Oregon. Earlier today an 8.0 earthquake struck in the South Pacific Ocean near American Samoa, reportedly killing 20 islanders there.

The National Weather Service, stressing that its advisory was not a “warning” or a “watch,” said that beginning at 9 p.m. tonight,

“A minor tsunami may be recorded in some areas of the coast which could produce dangerous currents and surges in harbors and bays. Coastal residents are advised to stay out of the waters . . . off the beach and away from harbors and marinas. Wave height and currents are amplified by irregular shoreline and are difficult to predict. Minor wave fluctuations around one foot are expected . . .”

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