Observations of a tsunami

It was interesting to observe the effects of the horrific Japanese tsunami on Californian coast the 11th of March.
The Coast Guard were reporting the the wave was due to hit San Diego at 8.45am.
The Fire Department were in position, the Lifeguards cleared the beach with flashing lights on their truck and the choppers buzzed the coast.
At approx 8.42, when the tide was meant to be pushing in, it drained out equal to that of a mild low tide. 3 or 4 mins latter the water level returned to the high tide mark.
The hearts of all San Diego go out to the people of northern Japan affected by the disaster.