Massive offshore quake in rough seas of Drake Passage triggers tsunami alerts for parts of South America
PUNTA ARENAS, Chile -- A large 7.4 earthquake rattled the waters off South America in one of the world's roughest ocean passages Friday, triggering fears of a tsunami and coastal evacuations.
The quake struck about 272 miles south of Chile's Punta Arenas area and about 135 miles south of Ushuria in the area known as Drake's Passage just before 9 a.m. ET, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
While the quake was estimated to be too small to trigger worldwide tsunami alerts, NOAA's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did issue a tsunami threat message for the coast of Chile within about 200 miles of the epicenter before giving the all clear around noon ET.
"Tsunami waves have been observed," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said in its 11:35 a.m. ET update. Anomalous waves of just under a half foot were recorded at a gauge near the Vernadsky Research Facility in Antarctica.
Models indicated waves could reach as high as 3-9 feet above tide level along coastal Chile, while smaller waves of 1-3 feet were possible along some coasts of Antarctica, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. However, officials determined the threat had passed by noon ET and all alerts were canceled.
Videos posted to social media showed tsunami sirens sounding in the Puerto Williams area in the minutes after the quake, as Chile's National Disaster Prevention and Response Service issued evacuation notices along the coastal sectors of the Magallenes region. It also told people to abandon all beach areas in the Chilean Antarctic territory, issuing a Red Alert and mobilizing government emergency response efforts.
Government officials said they evacuated over 1,800 people from the shorelines.
There are no initial reports of any damage or injuries.Original article source: Massive offshore quake in rough seas of Drake Passage triggers tsunami alerts for parts of South America
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Louisiana summer: How high are temperatures expected to be? Here's the forecasted heat index
For this summer, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted hotter-than-average temperatures across the U.S. Summer heat is expected to reach its peak in July, with a chance that more long-time high-temperature records may be broken, according to the Farmer's Almanac. In Louisiana, summer heat typically reaches its peak during July and August, as high temperatures can frequently exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This year, Louisiana is expected to experience a brutal summer with high temperatures in the 90s and heat indices feeling like 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Heat indices, or a heat index, is a measure of how hot it feels to the human body when the air temperature and relative humidity are combined, according to the National Weather Service. The average summer heat index in Louisiana typically ranges from the high 80s to the mid-90s, with humidity playing a significant role. Due to Louisiana's humid subtropical climate, the humidity can make the summer heat feel much more intense. Currently, the forecasted average summer heat index for Louisiana ranges from 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the NOAA's heat index forecasts. Humidity is generally high in Louisiana during the summer, with the average relative humidity ranging from 89% to 92%. The hottest, and most humid, months in Louisiana are typically June, July and August. During high humidity, temperatures can feel much hotter, as the body's ability to cool itself through evaporation is reduced. This summer, heat index temperatures in Louisiana are expected to climb into the triple digits due to heat and humidity, according to Alorair Crawlspace. When a heat index is high, especially when it's above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, being outdoors can be dangerous because of increased risks of heat-related illnesses. During a high heat index, when it's harder for the body to cool down, the likelihood of heat cramps, exhaustion and even stroke is increased, according to the National Weather Service. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: How hot will it be this summer in Louisiana? Average heat and humidity
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Storm tracker: NHC tracks Tropical Storms Barbara and Cosme
Less than 24 hours after being dubbed a hurricane, Tropical Storm Barbara has weakened. At the same time, the National Hurricane Center continues to track Tropical Storm Cosme and another area of low pressure that could develop into a system. Barbara is expected to continue diminishing through Tuesday. Tropical Storm Cosme is expected to weaken through Thursday morning. Both storms are being tracked through the eastern Pacific Ocean, off the coast of southwestern Mexico, according to the NHC. Another area of low pressure off the coast of Mexico is expected to develop into a tropical depression later this week as "environmental conditions appear conducive for some gradual development of this system," according to the NHC. This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression. A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reach 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane. Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it's too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends. Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you're evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you're going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said. Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn't cover flooding, so you'll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation. Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home's ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings. Contributing: Jay Cannon, USA TODAY Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn,X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Storm tracker: See path of Tropical Storms Barbara, Cosme
Forbes
9 hours ago
- Forbes
Northern Lights Alert: Aurora Borealis May Appear In These 8 States Tuesday
A selection of states in the northern U.S. may have an opportunity to view the northern lights Tuesday, as auroral activity is expected to be calmer through the week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Auroral activity will likely be calmer through the week, forecasters said. Auroral activity is forecast with a Kp index of three on a scale of nine for Tuesday night, indicating the northern lights will be visible farther from the poles and could be 'quite pleasing to look at' for anyone in the right areas. No geomagnetic storms or increased solar radiation are expected through Thursday night, NOAA's projections suggest, after earlier coronal mass ejections created 'minor' storms that pulled the northern lights to more states. Tuesday night's forecast is the strongest over the next two days, with a maximum Kp index of two projected for Wednesday and Thursday, according to NOAA's three-day forecast. A view line marking a minimal opportunity of viewing the aurora borealis is forecast just south of the Canadian border, with a lesser chance projected for parts of northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Most of Canada and Alaska have a higher chance. (See map below.) Tuesday's view line. NOAA suggests traveling between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time to an unobstructed, north-facing and high vantage point away from light pollution to see the northern lights. NASA recommends enabling night mode, disabling flash and selecting a slower shutter speed if using a smartphone. With a regular camera, the agency suggests using a tripod to stabilize the image, a wide-angle lens, an aperture or F-stop of four or less and a focus set to the furthest possible setting. More people in the U.S. have had opportunities to see the aurora borealis over the last year, after activity on the sun's surface reached a 'solar maximum.' This peak, which marks an increase in solar events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections, occurs periodically during the sun's 11-year cycle. Electrons from these events are responsible for the northern lights, as they release energy in the form of colorful, swirling lights after colliding with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere.
