After an 8.9 earthquake in Japan caused a tsunami to reached the California coast, Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency. "Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency for Del Norte, Humboldt, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties, saying 'conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property exist due to the tsunami and water surge' there," reports the Chronicle.

The damage, however, might not be done. The LA Times reports: "Santa Cruz officials also continue to brace for more damage as the high tide approaches at 4 p.m."

Brown's declaration will make way for the injured communities to seek federal aid.

The tsunami warning on the California coast has been downgraded to an advisory.