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Tsunami Advisory In Effect For Southland Beaches

LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — A tsunami advisory spawned by the magnitude 8.9 earthquake in Japan is prompting beach closures across Southern California.

Tsunami-related waves may occur in San Pedro, Santa Monica and Newport Beach, according to the National Weather Service. Watch Eyewitness Footage From Japan

Video from Santa Cruz showed waves damaging boats in a harbor around 8:45 a.m.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says some beaches, including Malibu, will be closed Friday as a precaution.

Orange County officials have also closed access at all beaches, harbors and piers, warning residents to stay away from strong currents.

Deputy Jim Amormino tells KNX 1070 that officials are taking no chances after the massive quake.

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The Ventura County Sheriff's Department says county beaches will be open, but extra officers will be on patrol.

Areas south of Point Conception in Santa Barbara County area are currently under a tsunami advisory.

The National Weather Service says wave heights of about two feet are expected, but they will pack a strong current.

The initial surges are expected at around 9:45 a.m.

Patrick Chen of the Holiday Surf hotel in Waikiki tells KNX 1070 that tsunami waves hit the Hawaiian islands earlier Friday.

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» PHOTOS: Disaster In Japan
» More Local Quake Coverage

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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