Traffic heavy along Oregon coast over tsunami risk

SEASIDE, Ore. — Residents living in low-lying areas along the Oregon coast are evacuating as a tsunami surges across the Pacific following a massive earthquake in Japan.

In Tillamook County, residents living within a half-mile of the beach were urged to seek higher ground. There have also been evacuations in parts of Gearheart, Seaside and elsewhere.

State officials say traffic was heavy on U.S. 101 near Florence early Friday because of people seeking higher ground.

At least one hotel in Seaside has been evacuated. Guests were being moved to higher floors at another.

Coastal communities were bracing for possibly damaging waves of up to 6 feet.

Gov. John Kitzhaber issued a statement urging Oregonians along the coast to listen to warnings and follow instructions from public safety officials.