Tsunamis

Tsunamis are caused by earthquakes under the ocean or by landslides into or under the ocean. A tsunami, often incorrectly referred to as a "tidal wave," is a series of waves that can travel great distances from their source and inundate coastal areas. The time of arrival of tsunami waves depends on a location's distance from the source event. For example, tsunami waves from local earthquakes may arrive between 5 and 30 minutes after the earthquake has started. Waves generated by distant sources may arrive hours after the earthquake has occurred. Tsunamis pose a real threat to Oregon coastal communities from Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquakes and also from distant earthquakes near Alaska or Asia.

Understanding the difference between the terms that identify a tsunami hazard: advisory, watch and warning. For a detailed explanation of these terms, see http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/tsunamis.shtm.
Plan to act quickly. If you are in coastal waters and notice a dramatic recession of water from the shoreline you should heed nature's warning that a tsunami is approaching.
Oregon Tsunami Evacuation Brochures The evacuation zones on these maps were developed by the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries in consultation with local officials. It is intended to represent a worst-case scenario for a tsunami caused by an undersea earthquake near the Oregon coast.
Move inland immediately and do not return to the flooded and damaged areas until officials say it is safe to do so.
If you are in coastal waters and notice a dramatic recession of water from the shoreline you should heed nature's warning that a tsunami is approaching.
Visit NOAA Watch for more weather-related information.

Stay informed

Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.