Forwarded Message
From: Bob Hamlin <bhamlin@co.jefferson.wa.us>
Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2005 13:38:11 -0800
AT

NEW FROM THE ALASKA/WEST COAST TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER - FYI - No action necessary.
(FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY)

REDUCED WARNING AREA:  To prevent tsunami "overwarning" (as occurred in the June 14 west coast tsunami event) a smaller warning area is being established for 7.0 to 7.5 magnitude offshore quakes.  There will be no tsunami warning issued for quakes less than 7.0.

Based on historical data, it is not expected that a tsunami from a 7.0 - 7.5 M quake will be damaging outside the source zone.  That means that the warning area can be significantly reduced.  The AWCTWC plans make those changes in future tsunami warning bulletins.

EXCEPTION:  Quakes larger than 7.5 still may result in wider warning areas.

IMPACT:  Fewer "false alarms" and more reliable evacuation guidance.  The outer coastal areas of Jefferson County will be evaluated differently than our inland waters.  The recommended action may be different.  Lead time (predicted ETA) and actual observations (DART buoys, etc.) are the variables.

Our tsunami checklists are being modified accordingly.

Bob

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Robert W. "Bob" Hamlin (KE7DPH), Program Manager
Jefferson County Dept. of Emergency Management
81 Elkins Road, Port Hadlock, WA  98339
Office direct:  360.385.3831, Extension 529
Cell phone:  360.460.0500 (24-hour voice mail)
Emergency Operations Center:  360.385.9368
After hours:  360.385.3831, option 1 (Jeffcom)
EM Duty Officer pager:  360.379.7814