Mild surge at California Coast after earthquake in Chile

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Last night's 8.3 magnitude earthquake in Chile has triggered a Tsunami Advisory for part of the California coast.

People at the Santa Cruz harbor are aware of the Tsunami Advisory that went out yesterday. The advisory went as far as San Luis Obispo where a tsunami surge as high as three feet was expected.

Santa Cruz surf was expected to rise by almost half a foot, which doesn't seem like much, but boat owners know that just a small surge can cause some serious damage.

"It could slam you against the dock, or if it were really strong, break a line. Luckily we're not next to another boat, but it could slam you against another boat I guess," said Donna Demeyer, boat owner.

Back in March of 2011, a tsunami traveled from Japan's massive 8.9 earthquake and rocked the Santa Cruz harbor. A series of surges caused about $14 million in damage.

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Stay with ABC7 News for details on this developing story.

The Associated Press contributed to the story.