8.3 Magnitude Earthquake Off Chile's Coast (Updated)
September 16, 2015

Update: A tsunami warning is now in effect for the California coast as well as Hawaii.

The tsunami advisory extends from San Onofre State Beach in San Clemente, about 55 miles north of San Diego, to Ragged Point, about 50 miles north of San Luis Obispo, according to the National Tsunami Warning Center.

National weather officials expect the tsunami will begin to affect the California coast about 4:46 a.m. in Newport Beach and travel swiftly, arriving a minute later in the Port of Los Angeles. By 5:06 a.m., the tsunami will arrive in Santa Barbara, and by 5:10 a.m., in Port San Luis.

Chile has had more than its share of awful earthquakes in the past five years or so. Today another struck offshore, registering a preliminary magnitude of 8.3.

A powerful 8.3-magnitude earthquake struck off Chile's coast on Wednesday, according to a preliminary assessment from the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake's epicenter was about 55 kilometers (34 miles) west of Illapel, Chile, USGS said. It occurred around 7:54 p.m. (6:45 p.m. ET) and had a depth of 33 kilometers (20.5 miles).

Chile's national emergency agency issued a tsunami warning, ordering evacuations in some coastal areas.

There were reports of damages to homes in Illapel, Interior Minister Jorge Burgos told reporters.

"Widespread hazardous tsunami waves are possible" along the coast of Chile and Peru, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said, and a tsunami watch is in effect for Hawaii.

According to my earthquake alerts, at least one aftershock registering 7.9 has been recorded. I will update as more details are available.

Update: According to Chris Hayes, a 15-foot wave has been recorded off the coast.

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