Tsunami Warnings in United States

Tsunami Warnings for United States (Northern America) come from National Weather Service (NWS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, National Tsunami Warning Center (NOAA). This page explains what these warnings mean, which authority publishes them, and how to check the current status for Washington, D.C..

Check live tsunami status for Washington, D.C.Browse all warnings

At a glance

countryUnited States · North America
reference cityWashington, D.C. (38.9, -77.04)
emergencyPrimary emergency number911
risk profilestorm, flood, heat, cold, drought, wildfire, air, earthquake, volcano, tsunami, radiation

What counts as a tsunami warnings

Tsunami warnings are issued by regional warning centres after a large undersea earthquake, volcanic eruption or landslide. A warning means waves are expected; the first wave is often not the largest, and wave arrival times are published per coastal segment. Natural warning signs - strong shaking, a sudden sea retreat, a loud roar - mean leave immediately without waiting for an official message.

Who issues tsunami warnings in United States

meteoNational Weather Service (NWS)
civilFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
seismicUSGS Earthquake Hazards Program
marineNational Tsunami Warning Center (NOAA)

Warning levels, colours and terminology are set nationally. Always read the warning text of the issuing authority: it names the affected districts, the expected time window and the recommended action.

If a warning is active in United States

Move inland and at least 30 m above sea level, on foot, immediately.
Stay away for hours: wave trains continue long after the first wave.
Do not return to the coast until the all-clear from the official warning centre.

Where the data comes from

Waarning reads public, key-free sources for United States: NOAA PTWC, JMA, national tsunami warning centres, USGS. Measurements and official warnings are shown separately, and official warnings always keep the name of the authority that issued them.

Frequently asked questions

Who issues tsunami warnings in United States?

National Weather Service (NWS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, National Tsunami Warning Center (NOAA). Waarning does not issue warnings; it aggregates the public feeds of these bodies and links back to the original source.

What is the emergency number in United States?

The primary emergency number is 911. Use it for a life-threatening situation; for non-urgent reports use the local police station number.

Does Waarning show live tsunami warnings for United States?

Yes. The dashboard loads the current values for Washington, D.C. from NOAA PTWC, JMA, national tsunami warning centres, USGS. You can open it with one click and the location is already set.

More warnings for United States

Tsunami Warnings in nearby countries

Generated 2026-10-18. Waarning is not an official warning service; in an emergency follow local authorities and emergency services.