These potentially damaging waves are the result of a massive earthquake that hit Japan last night.
Fugate says some communities along the California coast are advising people to evacuate
because it's difficult to know how high the tsunami waves might be when they actually hit.
Crescent City in northern California expects to receive waves between 6 to 7 feet high.
Southern California beaches have been evacuated ahead of a tsunami that's expected to hit the West Coast within an hour.
Surfers and swimmers are being told to get out of the water and stay off the beach due to potentially hazardous currents.
The first effects of the tsunami are expected to be felt between 8:30 and 8:45 Pacific time.
The City of Los Angeles has closed its beaches.
In Orange County, Newport Elementary School in Newport Beach has been closed today because of its close proximity to the coastline.
Boaters have been told to leave their boats or sail three miles out from the shore for safety.