Hundreds of cars have parked on the side of state Highway 92 this morning as people evacuate from coastal San Mateo County cities in advance of possible tsunami waves, but the California Highway Patrol is advising people to park elsewhere so emergency vehicles can get through the area.

Cars began parking along the side of Highway 92 at about 5 a.m. this morning after authorities issued a warning of a possible tsunami sparked by the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the northeast coast of Japan, CHP Officer Art Montiel said.

Many of the cars were driven by people leaving low-lying coastal communities like Half Moon Bay, Montiel said.

He said the CHP is advising people to not park along the highway because "we need to keep that clear in case we need to bring emergency vehicles that way."

Vehicles are instead encouraged to park along Canada Road, which is located nearby, Montiel said.


● Updates from Half Moon Bay Review.

● U.S. Geological Service information on the earthquake in Japan.

— Bay City News Service

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.