Waves barely perceptible here, some damage in NorCal and Hawaii

TV reports are showing not much happening along the Southern California coast as the hour passes for the arrival of tsunami surges. Beaches and piers generally closed, though crowds have gathered. Boats have been pulling out of marinas. Earlier, the marina at Santa Cruz suffered some damage, according to ABC. In Hawaii some beaches were swamped by a several foot rise in the sea level while it was still dark. Some light damage has been reported on Maui.

It's still dark in Japan. Among the new reports since last night:

At least 300 deaths are expected in the Sendai area, and possibly many more. The Kyodo News Agency reports that a ship with 100 aboard was washed away in the tsunamis.

Many people are still missing or unaccounted for, with phone lines out and the power off in some areas.

A precautionary evacuation has been ordered near one of the nuclear power stations that shut down.

Oil refinery fires are burning through the night.

Last night:
Japan hit by 'great' quake and tsunami, Pacific put on watch *
Tsunami alerts in California upgraded