UPDATE: Tsunami advisory cancelled for BC

(UPDATE: Jan. 15 @ 2:45 pm) – The tsunami advisory that was issued on Saturday has been cancelled for the west coast of British Columbia.

The advisory for notification zones C and D, including the west coast of Vancouver Island and the Juan de Fuca Strait, has been cancelled.

The advisory has also been cancelled for notification zones A and B which includes the north and central coast from Haida Gwaii to the the northeast corner of Vancouver Island from Kitimat down to Port Hardy.

TSUNAMI ADVISORY CANCELLED for BC Coast. The Tsunami Advisory for #BC Notification Zones C & D has been CANCELLED, no further Advisory remains for BC. More info: https://t.co/PoX2nEFzVs #BCTsunamihttps://t.co/PRk5sKraC6

— Emergency Info BC (@EmergencyInfoBC) January 15, 2022

The advisories were issued following a volcanic eruption near the Tonga Islands.

Follow this link for the most up to date information and updates from Emergency Info BC.

“People in coastal areas that are at risk are advised to stay away from the shoreline and heed instructions from local authorities,” reads the statement from EC.

To read more from Environment Canada, visit the EC website.

(Original Story: Jan. 15 @ 9:30 am) – Residents on the west coast of BC should be aware of a current tsunami advisory in effect around the province.

According to Emergency Info BC, following an underwater volcanic eruption that occurred Friday evening near the Tonga Islands, a tsunami advisory is active for BC notification zones A, B, C and D.

Absolutely terrifying disaster unfolding in the South Pacific, #Tonga's Hunga Tonga volcano erupts around 5.30pm local time Jan 15 2022. Tsunami waves recorded on Australia’s east coast and waves likely heading for the west coast of the Americas. pic.twitter.com/W9gJ6VzJcI

— Ryan Northover (@RyanNorthover) January 15, 2022

These zones include the north and central coastlines and inland sections, greater Victoria, Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island. Nanaimo, which is found in zone E, is not in danger.

"A tsunami advisory has been issued," wrote Environment Canada. "There is a possibility of strong localized currents."

"No significant inundation is expected, but low-lying coastal areas and beaches may be at risk. A tsunami is a series of waves. The first wave may not be the largest."

Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay away from the shorelines and listen to messages from local authorities.

For more on the alert, click here.