Latest Event Updates
Tsunami Watch Issued for US West Coast Following Earthquake off Russian Coast
The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami watch for the US West Coast following a 8.7 earthquake approximately 80 miles southeast of Peropavlovsk Kamchatka. A tsunami watch is the lowest level of the warning center’s three-tier alert system. It means the threat level is not yet known and residents should remain alert and be prepared to take action.
Pepperdine’s Malibu campus is not expected to be affected, but lower lying areas in Malibu and along the Ventura and Los Angeles coastlines could be impacted.
Expected arrival time for the Los Angeles Region is approximately 1 AM July 30, 2025. Individuals in at-risk areas, as designated by the California Geological Survey’s tsunami evacuation map, should consider moving to higher ground. Do not go to the coast to watch the tsunami. Tsunamis, which may result from an earthquake near the coast, may arrive as a series of waves/surges, which could be dangerous for many hours after the first wave arrives, and the first wave/surge may not be the highest in the series.
Please continue to monitor updates through your local authorities.
PCH Northbound Single Lane Closure near Big Rock Drive
The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) announced the closure of a northbound lane of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) on weekdays from 7 AM to 4 PM near Big Rock Drive to allow for the repairs to a drainage pipe that was destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
CalTrans also reminded commuters of the 25 MPH speed limit in the area, that traffic fines could be doubled in work areas, and to use caution while driving through the area and slow down for workers.
Students and employees are encouraged to drive slowly and carefully, leave plenty of extra time for travel, and remain informed about conditions for Pepperdine’s Southern California campuses by utilizing the following resources:
- Malibu Campus Road hotline: 310.506.ROAD (7623)
- Emergency Information Page: emergency.pepperdine.edu
Greater Los Angeles road conditions can be viewed online at www.sigalert.com.
Pacific Coast Highway to Reopen Friday
The Governor’s Office announced today that Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) will officially reopen to all motorists in both directions from Santa Monica to Malibu on Friday, May 23, at 8 AM. Local agencies report drivers can expect two lanes of traffic open in both directions with a reduced speed limit of 25 MPH and several intersections operating under flashing red lights. Ongoing construction and debris removal may result in intermittent lane closures and potential lengthy and unpredictable delays. Pepperdine community members should use caution while driving through the area and allow extra time if traveling on PCH.
The University recommends those attending Pepperdine graduations this weekend use alternate routes to avoid potential long delays on the newly reopened PCH. To ensure you, your family, and your guests all arrive in time for the start of the ceremony, we encourage you to leave early and allow extra time to travel to Malibu via Malibu Canyon Road, Kanan Dume Road, or PCH north of campus.
The reopening of PCH will result in adjustments to the University’s PCH shuttle. The University will contact regular riders directly regarding updates to the shuttle schedule.
For the most up-to-date information on roads near Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, please call the Road Conditions Hotline at 310.506.7623 (ROAD). Greater Los Angeles road conditions can be viewed online at www.sigalert.com.
PCH Closed Due to Mudslide Near Big Rock
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is closed from Chautauqua Blvd to Sweetwater Canyon due to a mudslide near Big Rock. Officials have not indicated when PCH will be reopened.
Drivers should monitor road conditions, drive carefully, and allow for extra travel time as needed. Road conditions may change quickly. For the most up-to-date information about greater Los Angeles road conditions, visit www.sigalert.com. For information about roads near Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, please call the Road Conditions Hotline at 310.506.7623 (ROAD).
Pepperdine Emergency Information 
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