Tsunami Warnings: What to Do

A Tsunami Warning signals danger and means people should take action, according to the National Weather Service.

Published: 7/30/2025, 2:59:05 PM EDT

Tsunami Warnings: What to Do — An LA County Lifeguard truck patrols Venice beach pier amid a tsunami warning in Los Angeles, on July 30, 2025. (Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images)

Tsunami advisories went into effect for Alaska, Hawaii, and the west coast of the United States following one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday.

Most tsunamis are caused by large earthquakes below or near the ocean floor, but they can also be caused by landslides, volcanic activity. A tsunami is defined by the National Weather Service (NWS) as a series of waves caused by a large and sudden displacement of the ocean.

Here's what to know and do if you live or work in the threatened areas:

Understanding Tsunami Alerts

Alerts are issued by the tsunami warning centers to notify emergency agencies and the public about the possibility of a tsunami following a tsunami-generating event such as the recent magnitude 8.8 earthquake off the coast of Russia.

For U.S. and Canadian coastlines, there are four levels of tsunami alerts: Warning, Advisory, Watch, and Information Statement.

A Tsunami Warning signals danger and means people should take action. Under a tsunami warning, evacuation is recommended. Specifically, those affected should move to high ground or inland. Under a warning, "dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours or days after initial arrival," the NWS says.

A Tsunami Advisory also means to take action due to a tsunami that has the potential for strong currents or waves that could be dangerous. An advisory signals that there may be flooding of beach and harbor areas. NWS advises those under a tsunami advisory to stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways.

A Tsunami Watch means to be prepared because a distant earthquake has happened and a tsunami is possible.

A Tsunami Information Statement generally means that an earthquake has occurred, but there is no real threat because it happened far away. A threat hasn't been determined in most cases, and people can "relax," according to NWS.

What to Do

Ready.gov, an official website that operates under the Department of Homeland Security, offers instructions on what to do under a tsunami warning.

Those under a tsunami warning prompted by an earthquake should first protect themselves from the earthquake by using the "Drop, Cover, then Hold On" method, according to the website.

People should also get to high ground as far inland as possible.

"If you are in a boat, go out to sea," officials advised.

Tsunami warnings are generally broadcast through local radio and television, marine radio, wireless emergency alerts, and websites including Tsunami.gov.

Local emergency officials generally send out text message alerts and phone notifications.

Outdoor sirens were activated in many areas under tsunami warnings and advisories, as seen in the Hawaiian Islands following the major earthquake off the Russian coast.

"Listen to emergency information and alerts, such as a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters, follow the instructions from local emergency managers," officials say.

Weather agencies have stressed that there may not always be enough time for an official warning.

"Do not wait for official instructions," NWS warns.

Residents living in coastal communities should remain vigilant following a strong or long earthquake, a sudden rise or fall of the ocean, or hearing a loud roar from the ocean, which can mean a tsunami may follow. That's when people should take action and move to a safe place.