How exactly would a tsunami affect Washington state?

There’s little doubt that if or when the “Big One” hits the Pacific Northwest, such an earthquake would cause untold damage wherever it occurs. But what happens when a 9.0 quake off the coast triggers a tsunami? The answer: Nothing good.

New geological maps can help residents escape tsunamis

Newly-released videos from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources paint a harrowing picture of how exactly the Washington coast and Puget Sound region would fare after a tsunami. After just 35 minutes, waves of 10-feet and higher would descend upon the coastline, entering the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and rapidly move through Puget Sound.

“Simulations show the first waves reaching the outer coast in about 15 minutes,” said the Department of Natural Resources in a news release. “The tsunami then travels through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and into Puget Sound, reaching the Tacoma waterfront about two hours and 30 minutes after the earthquake.”

After 10-foot waves hit the San Juans, Seattle’s western edge would likely see smaller waves of its own. Meanwhile, Bellingham’s waterfront area would find itself under water after almost two-and-a-half hours.

The ultimate goals in releasing this data aren’t to stoke fear, as much to ensure Washington state is prepared in the all-too-likely event a tsunami does eventually hit.

Northwest region is currently in an ‘earthquake drought’

“We know tsunamis will hit our state. It’s a question of when, not if, which means we need to prepare now,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “Our hope is that these stark videos drive home the need for communities to take action to become more secure and resilient.”

Should a tsunami hit, warnings will likely come in the form of SMS, email, or phone notifications, while some coastal areas and beach communities employ loud sirens. You can get more information on the early warning system, how to prepare, and more here.

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