Thursday, June 19, 2008
O.C. Tsunami Ready
Orange County received a tsunami readiness designation from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Tuesday, becoming the most populous county in the nation with all its coastal communities prepared for such an event.
“TsunamiReady,” a recognition by the NOAA's National Weather Service for communities that prepare for tsunamis and storms, means the county and its coastal cities have fulfilled a rigorous set of warning and evacuation criteria, including the development of a formal hazardous weather plan, according to a news release.
The “entire beach area of Orange County is now designated as TsunamiReady,” said Ed Clark, warning coordination meteorologist in San Diego.
The designation shows “unprecedented coordination in tsunami issues between the county and the coastal communities,” said Jim Purpura, meteorologist-in-charge.
“Orange County is vulnerable to tsunamis and severe weather due to its location on the coast,” said Purpura. “As the second most populous county in the state of California, and the fifth most populous in the United States, the likelihood of the public encountering a tsunami or severe weather is greatly increased. Public awareness and preparedness are essential.”
Dana Point, Huntington Beach, San Clemente, Newport Beach, Seal Beach and Laguna Beach have completed the program. The NWS on Tuesday presented the county with a recognition letter and two road signs – to be placed along the coastline at locations to be determined.
PHOTO:
Newport Beach Pier
Newport Beach Pier
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