Originally published March 11, 2011 at 5:33 AM | Page modified March 11, 2011 at 11:58 AM

Ore. coastal residents clear out ahead of tsunami

Oregon's coastal residents cleared out ahead of the first waves of a tsunami to hit the U.S. mainland, but the effects were minor in Port Orford.

The Associated Press

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PORT ORFORD, Ore. —

Oregon's coastal residents cleared out ahead of the first waves of a tsunami to hit the U.S. mainland, but the effects were minor in Port Orford.

Motel operator Rockne Berge (buhrg) says that from 130 feet up on a bluff above the beach, he saw a band of wet sand 40 yard to 50 yards wide - an indication of a wave larger than usual.

City Administrator Mike Murphy says the waves surged between about the levels for high and low tide. He says that so far, there's been no damage, and the city's low-lying areas have been evacuated. Most of the city is on higher ground.

State officials say traffic was heavy on U.S. 101 near Florence early Friday because of people seeking higher ground.

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