A tsunami advisory is in effect for coastal areas of California, Oregon and Washington, following this morning’s 7.9-magnitude earthquake in the South Pacific.

The West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued the advisory at 3:02 p.m., saying a tsunami of 8 to 26 inches could strike the Coos and Curry county areas around 9:20 p.m.

High tide is at 10:06 p.m. at Charleston.

Tsunami advisories mean that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to people in or very near the water is imminent or expected.

Significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory.

“Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats and coastal structures, and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival,” the announcement said.

The Tsunami Warning Center said people in tsunami advisory areas should move out of the water and off of the beaches. Also, people should move out of harbors and marinas.

A woman who answered the phone at the Charleston Marina said the office is recommending people not go on the beaches.

"At this point we are notifying all the customers and boat owners that we

are under advisory," said Mike Gaul, the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay's deputy executive director.

The port manages the marina and is advising its crew to be on alert.

"Our crew will check the docks and make sure all the boats are tied fairly snug," he said.

He said once it gets closer to the time when the tsunami might hit, port employees will go to higher ground.

The U.S. Coast Guard station in North Bend broadcast a notice to boaters that an advisory is in effect.