Tsunami watches are issued for large portions of the Western U.S. coast

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has issued a message this morning after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake rocked the Bering Sea, raising concerns for farmers and ranchers along the Western U.S. seaboard.

The earthquake struck around 300 miles East of Russia’s coastline last night, around 6:30 PM Eastern. NOAA has been tracking the aftermath, issuing tsunami watches and warnings for Hawaii and Alaska, as well as trading partners like Japan.

Secretary Rollins says USDA is closely watching the developments, making sure all USDA employees and partners are safe. She is urging prayers for all those impacted.

RFD-TV Meteorologist Kirk Harnack gives the latest news for farmers and ranchers along the coast, as well as what he has heard from colleagues.