TSUNAMI WARNING TEST IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY

       NOAA's National Weather Service, in collaboration with the California Office of Emergency Services and the Humboldt County Sheriff's office, conducted a test of the Tsunami Warning System in coastal Humboldt County, Calif., at 10:19 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time on Wed., March 26.

       During the test, live Tsunami Warning codes were broadcast on radio and television stations in Humboldt County . An extensive effort was made to inform the public of this test ahead of time, so they did not mistake the test for a real Tsunami Warning.

       The NOAA National Weather Service office in Eureka initiated this test by activating the Emergency Alert System for Humboldt County . This test of the Tsunami Warning System involved NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards, local TV and radio stations and other local communication sources. People listening to the radio should have heard the familiar alerting tone followed by an audio message describing the test, similar to the routine monthly tests of the Emergency Alert System.

       Some television systems are programmed to scroll a standard, pre-composed message based upon the emergency code received. Because a live Tsunami Warning code was used, the message on the screen may not have contained the word “TEST.” The television audio message accompanying the crawler should have explained it as a test. If the volume was turned down, viewers may not have realized the warning was only a test. People watching television during the test should have seen the following words crawl across the bottom or top of the screen:

“The National Weather Service in Eureka has issued a Tsunami Warning for Humboldt County.”

       We encouraged members of the public who were monitoring their local TV and radio stations, or their NOAA Weather Radio, to provide feedback online. Results of this feedback will be posted on this web site soon.

       This test of the Tsunami Warning System included full activation of the Emergency Alert System as if it had been a real tsunami. The goal was to ensure the Emergency Alert System will function properly when it is activated for a real tsunami emergency. This is the first such test in Calif., and was only conducted in Humboldt County . Officials will evaluate the success of the test and correct any problems in the Tsunami Warning System.

       The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and information service delivery for transportation, and by providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. Through the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), NOAA is working with its federal partners, more than 70 countries and the European Commission to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes, predicts and protects.

For more information, call:
Troy Nicolini with the National Weather Service
443-0574 ex223
Dan Larkin with Humboldt County Sheriff's office
268-2502

Additional Information:
Frequently Asked Questions
Watch Tsunami Warning Test information video
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