Tsunami Warning

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NSW TSUNAMI WARNING

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

New South Wales

Issued at 0956 on Monday the 2nd of April 2007

For people in coastal areas of New South Wales, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk

Island.

An earthquake of preliminary magnitude 8.1 occurred at 06:40 am EST this morning

near the Solomon Islands, [epicentre 8.6S, 157.2E] and has generated a tsunami.

A series of waves associated with this tsunami may impact Australia today,

reaching Norfolk Island from Midday [Norfolk Island time], Lord Howe Island from

11:00 am [Lord Howe Island time] and the NSW coastline starting from between

10:15 am EST and midday. Dangerous waves and currents may continue for several

hours after the time of initial impact. The Sydney region impact is most likely

from around 11:30 am EST onwards.

Dangerous waves and currents may affect beaches, harbours and rivers for several

hours from the time of impact and low-lying coastal areas could be flooded. The

waves can be separated in time by between ten to sixty minutes and the first

wave of the series may not be the largest.

The NSW State Emergency Service advises that:

· People at the beach should leave the beach, and any areas exposed to surf, and

move to higher ground.

· People in boats in shallow water should immediately return to land, secure

vessels and move to higher ground.

· Boats and ships at sea should move to deep water and not return to harbour

until advised that it is safe to do so.

· If you see the sea go out like a very low tide then immediately go to high

ground.

· People should keep listening to the local media for updated information and

advice and follow instructions and advice from emergency services

This warning will be updated by 1pm EST.

This warning is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts; the Bureau's

website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218

The Bureau and NSW State Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being

broadcast regularly.