What will happen in Humboldt County is indeed a test—but to those who don’t know—it could seem very real.  State officials will conduct the test  of what they call the actual “live code” that goes out when there is threat of a tsunami.  

Residents and visitors to the Humboldt area tuning in to radio and T.V. between 10:15 and 10:45 in the morning will hear a message indicating it’s a test. But the crawler on television likely won’t say that.  Melanie Bedwell with the state Office of Emergency Services says they’ve been trying to get the word out ahead of time-- statewide.

“Because if anyone is traveling in the area or visiting the area, moving through and they happen to hear it or see it and don’t see the word test we’re making every effort to make sure there isn’t confusion or any concern about it.”

Bedwell says several more tests are being planned along the California coast line over the next few years.  

 Back in 2005 there was a tsunami warning for the entire west coast, following an earthquake that rocked the ocean floor near Eureka.