San Diegans Drawn To Ocean Beach To Watch For Tsunami

More than 100 spectators gathered at Ocean Beach Pier to watch for signs of the tsunami surge, that was expected around 8:40 a.m. Friday. There was a significant media presence, handful of law enforcement and lifeguards on alert.

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People gather along the shore in Ocean Beach to watch the tide after a tsunami warning went into effect following the 8.9 eathquake in Japan.

Angela Carone

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Police officers in Ocean Beach tried to maintain order as large crowds gathered along the beach.

Angela Carone

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Ocean Beach experience choppy water after the 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan.

Angela Carone

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Lifeguards patrolled the beach as they always do but did not restrict access.

Angela Carone

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Crowds gather along the beach in Ocean Beach after the earthquake in Japan.

Angela Carone

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Despite the tsunami warnings, some people continued to surf. One surfer said it didn’t feel any different in the water – just maybe “a little more juice” than normal.

Angela Carone

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Surfers in Ocean Beach continued to ride the waves despite the tsunami warning cause by the 8.9 earthquake in Japan.

Angela Carone

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Bystanders took the opportunity to snap photos of the beach as a local tsunami warning was in effect.

Angela Carone

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Local news crews gathered to capture the crowds and choppy surf at the beach.

Angela Carone

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Crowds gathered to snap pictures of the beach, where a local surge is expected to last 10-12 hours.

Angela Carone

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Local media gathered along the beach to capture the crowds and choppy surf caused by the massive earthquake in Japan.

Angela Carone

Since the pier was not closed, spectators took advantage of the view, despite warnings.

Surfers also took advantage of the increased wave activity. One surfer emerged from the water at 8:45 a.m. saying he felt slightly "more juice" than normal.

Lifeguards on duty told KPBS they were called in early, but there were no additional lifeguards needed.

Law enforcement said they were present to "keep the peace" but not to restrict access to the pier and beach.

Many who gathered were on their cell phones, reporting what they were seeing, taking photographs and video.

The 8:40 a.m. advisory came and went without a noticeable surge, but foggy conditions may have limited the view.