SoCal Tsunami Underwhelms Spectators

Santa Monica - The only apparent evidence of a tsunami at Santa Monica Pier today was a ripple that rang the bell on an offshore buoy, leaving spectators seismically underwhelmed.

About 15 people, and about six journalists, stood on the structure after a two-foot tsunami sureg was predicted. The tide gauge at Santa Monica suddenly rose 2.2 feet, the National Weather Service said, but the surge was imperceptible on the old wooden pleasure pier.

Mother and daughter Amy and Susan Moore raced from their Atwater Village home after receiving a Twitter message about the impending Tsunami. They were glum.

"From what I've seen, I've been underwhelmed," said Susan, the younger Moore.

"I heard that they were going to evacuate people. We haven't even seen any rain," added her mom.

About 12:30 p.m. the Santa Monica Police Department closed the lower level of the pier in preparation for what was expected to be 2 to 3 feet waves to reach the county. The lower level was expected to remain closed for about two to three hours, said Santa Monica police officer Alex Smith. "It's not so much about the waves, but they (the weather service) said six to eight foot surf" an offshore storm, Smith said. "So we want to make sure that nobody gets swept out. It's precautionary."

The Los Angeles County Fire Department was in a state of heightened awareness long the coast, according to a news statement. Citizens in coastal areas were advised to monitor radio and television for any updates from NOAA or the Coast Guard, and act accordingly.

Simon Murray was on vacation, from Australia when he and some friends had heard about the Tsunami. Murray said he found the news of the impending Tsunami "upsetting."

"They were saying the waves could actually hit the coast of Queensland, Australia, so you think about friends," said Murray who heard about the Tsunami via the radio.

"We came to see Malibu, so Santa Monica's on the way there. We would have come down here (Santa Monica) anyway."

Culver City resident Danna Schilling said she was surprised that the Tsunami would come this far.

"They (media accounts) said it would get here four hours before it gets to Hawaii," said Schilling while standing at the pier, just above the restricted deck. "I am here at water level and I was a bit apprehensive. But they said it was going to be only two feet waves."