Update 3 p.m.:  The tsunami effect locall remains in effect through 5:46 p.m. today for the entire west coast following an 8.8 quake in Chile.  An early tidal surge proved minor in San Diego though Santa Monica had tides 2.2 feet above normal sea level. In other regions, second and third waves were higher than the first.    

Japan also rattled by 7.0 quake today

February 27, 2010 – A powerful earthquake struck Chile off the coast of Maule during the night. The U.S. Geological Survey has upgraded the quake to 8.8.  A tsunami warning has been issued for coastal areas in Chile and Peru; a nine-foot tsunami wave has been reported.