Full Notification

Officials to test Tsunami Warning System today (Wednesday) March 26, 2014 at approximately 10:15 a.m.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric and Administration (NOAA) and California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) plan to conduct a test of the tsunami warning communications system on March 26 at approximately 10:15 a.m. PDT in the Southern California coastal areas.

NOAA’s National Weather Service Offices in Monterey, Oxnard and San Diego will broadcast the “Required Monthly Test.” The test will also be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, local television and radio stations.

Some television systems are programmed to scroll a standard emergency alert text message and in some cases, the message may not contain the word “TEST.” An audio message will say that the message is only a test, but if the volume is turned down or otherwise unheard, viewers may not realize the message is a test.

To avoid confusion with an actual alert the test will be canceled if there is excessive seismic activity 24 hours prior to the test. People monitoring the test in coastal areas who do not receive it are asked to inform their local National Weather Service office. The public can provide feedback online at weather.gov/test. The test is a cooperative effort between NOAA, Cal OES, California Broadcasters Association, and local emergency management officials in coastal California.

During Tsunami Preparedness Week, March 23 - 29, NOAA and emergency managers promote tsunami safety and awareness and urge coastal residents and visitors to prepare themselves and their families for a tsunami. NOAA’s National Tsunami Warning Center offers complete information, including the current status of tsunami warnings, watches, and advisories and frequently asked questions. NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and our other social media channels.

NOAA’s National Weather Service: http://www.weather.gov; NOAA Tsunami Web site: http://www.tsunami.noaa.gov and www.tsunami.gov; NOAA’s National Tsunami Warning Center: http://ntwc.arh.noaa.gov/