Waves are surging 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 along the Del Norte and Humboldt county coasts throughout the morning and have urged residents in low-lying areas to seek higher ground.

In Southern California, some surfers ventured out on the water to take advantage of decent waves ahead of the tsunami.

Elsewhere, emergency officials closed some beaches and advised people to stay away from the shoreline.