Coastal hazardsCalifornia Signal briefing4 min read

Tsunami warnings start with geography

You will not know whether a tsunami is dangerous by looking at the ocean. Your location—and the route to higher ground—matters first.

Tsunami hazard-zone sign in Shelter Cove, California — Tony Webster · CC BY-SA 2.0Image source and license ↗

The California coast is not one shoreline

Bays, harbors, river mouths, cliffs and low-lying neighborhoods all respond differently. That is why official hazard maps matter. Someone standing on a beach may need to move immediately while someone a few miles inland may already be outside the evacuation zone.

Nature may warn you before your phone does

Strong or long shaking, a sudden rise or fall in the ocean, or a loud roar from the water can all be warnings. Do not go closer for a look. Move inland or uphill, use marked routes and follow local instructions.

Check your home, workplace and favorite beach on the official map
Learn a walking route in case traffic stops moving
Stay out until officials say the zone is safe

Your map matters more than the statewide count

A statewide tsunami notice gets your attention. Your local hazard zone and the issuing agency’s instructions tell you what to do next.