First tsunami waves hit northern Calif. city near Oregon

CRESCENT CITY -- Waves are beginning to surge slightly along California's northern coast near the Oregon border from a tsunami triggered by the massive earthquake in Japan.

The tide began rising shortly after 7:30 a.m. along beaches in Crescent City, where the tsunami was expected to hit the hardest in California. Officials predicted that waves could reach as high as 7 feet.

Local officials have been activating tsunami warning sirens in Del Norte and Humboldt counties throughout the morning. In Crescent City, sheriff's deputies went door to door at dawn to urge residents in low-lying areas to seek higher ground.

Officials are telling residents that the waves may not peak until an hour or two after the tsunami's initial arrival.

Warnings throughout California have prompted some school and road closures as a precaution.