https://twitter.com/BikeMonterey/status/1482415689700818947?s=20

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The info below was first published in 2011,

with last updates made 24 March 2014. 

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Tsunami? Thanks to National Weather Service, San Francisco-Monterey Bay Area, for this update to the post that follows. NWS shared tips from the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program.

Live, work or play on the coast? Tsunami Preparedness Week or anytime, be knowledgeable about what to do. Watch http://1.usa.gov/1mfxmHG  and visit http://1.usa.gov/1if8RGQ.

Monterey County residents received a morning phone call 3/11/11 from the Office of Emergency Services, a call we aren’t accustomed to:  tsunami warning.

After receiving the call, at 6:53 a.m., I learned that some sections of the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail were closed, such as in Pacific Grove.  Beaches were closed too–though most beaches reopened by 3:30 p.m.

In our neighboring county of Santa Cruz, where boats suffered tsunami damage in the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor,  authorities were meeting at 3:30 today to decide whether to lift the tsunami advisory for low-lying areas.

Keeping up on closures won’t be a goal at this site, since even city and county officials were having trouble keeping accurate info up-to-date.  Please refer to local news sources.*

Alternates to coastal/low-lying bike routes

In light of today’s tsunami warning, it makes sense that–regardless of status of closures–many people prefer to stay away from the beaches and low-lying areas for a while.

No need to cancel biking!  Monterey County is enjoying a beautiful, sunny day, so get out and enjoy alternate routes:

• Make use of the Monterey County Bike Map: https://bikemonterey.org/bicycle-maps-monterey-county-2016-bike-map-and-other-local-and-non-local-bicycle-maps.html.
• See this site’s “Where to Bike” section, then scroll to “If you’re inclined to explore”; many of those ideas are off-coast routes:  https://bikemonterey.org/tips-for-tourists/where-to-cycle
• Can’t bike all the way there?  Make use of this site’s bike-and-ride section.

Tsunamis

Good primer on tsunamis and their effects from the National Geographic (thanks, Monterey Bay Aquarium):  http://bit.ly/hSjwrr

Say prayers for our Japanese neighbors on this powerful planet, and make a donation to the Red Cross:   text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to Japan’s earthquake/Pacific tsunami relief.

Give thanks for life and safety and the many beautiful places to bike in our county today.

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*Some reports from our county’s daily newspaper, the Monterey County Herald:

1. MontereyHeraldMonterey County disaster response goes smoothly http://bit.ly/dMbofG
2. MontereyHeraldHerald staff on scene as tsunami reaches Peninsula http://bit.ly/f5tRby

http://www.Twitter.com/@charlesbell74 – of http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/ shared this image:

#tsunami generated wave heights through the #California coast: http://1.usa.gov/fpZSSO

This post was previously published 11 March 2011.