Tsunami Alert Issued for U.S. Pacific Coast: Authorities Urge Caution, Monitor Roads and Coastal Areas

What Is the Risk?

According to the NTWC, small tsunami waves have been detected in parts of Alaska and the far northern Pacific, but no widespread flooding or wave damage has been confirmed in the Lower 48 states. Nevertheless, strong currents, minor coastal surges, and localized harbor disruptions remain possible, especially in bays, inlets, and river mouths along the Pacific coast.

Because the magnitude and direction of energy from undersea quakes can shift unpredictably, the potential impact in various parts of the coast is still being assessed.

“At this time, the threat level is under evaluation. We are working closely with state and local emergency agencies to determine if further action is needed,” the NTWC stated in its 7:30 AM update.

🚧 Transportation and Highway Precautions

Though no highway closures have been mandated due to flooding, transportation officials in California, Oregon, and Washington have issued precautionary notices for motorists and commercial drivers, particularly those operating near the coast.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and its counterparts in Oregon (ODOT) and Washington (WSDOT) have advised the public to:

• Avoid stopping or parking in tsunami evacuation zones or low-lying beach roads.

• Use inland corridors when possible, especially for heavy freight or long-distance travel.

• Expect delays or detours in coastal areas where emergency personnel may be conducting inspections or preparing evacuation routes.

As a precaution, some state troopers and highway patrol units have been deployed to beach access points, bridges, and harbor routes to manage traffic flow and monitor possible surge effects.