Nightly News   |  October 28, 2012

Tsunami warnings triggered on West Coast

It may not have been a hurricane, but an earthquake and tsunami warning worried state agencies along the West Coast. NBC’s Miguel Almaguer reports.

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>>> as much of the eastern u.s. remains firmly focused on hurricane sandy, folks out west got a scare of their own, a powerful earthquake off the coast of canada, triggering a tsunami warning all the way to hawaii. that story tonight from nbc's miguel almigerre.

>> reporter: tsunami warnings last night, beaches were closed state wide. many gasseded up their cars, stocked up on food as tens of thousands headed for higher ground.

>> they were witnessing the tide recede two feet. that's huge.

>> reporter: this morning it was downgraded to an advisory after several small waves came ashore.

>> the water is still dangerous t beaches still need caution. but we can go home.

>> can you believe that?

>> the 7.7 quake responsible for the tsunami warning was centered near prince rupert in british columbia . millions were told to beware of surging tides.

>> the tsunami warnings are incredibly important because you don't want to be in a position that you didn't give a warning and it happens.

>> reporter: a pair of 3.9 quakes pulled people out of bed, an area used to a little shaking.