This is because of the shielding of the Olympic Peninsula and the Puget Sound islands. King County could be impacted by this type of tsunami. Vashon Island and areas along the Puget Sound coastline could suffer damage. Warning vulnerable areas would be nearly impossible due to the close proximity to the origin of the tsunami. The first wave would probably hit coastline areas within minutes.
Effects Floating debris carried by a tsunami can batter inland structures.
Ships moored in harbors often are swamped and sunk or are left battered and stranded high on the shore. Railroad yards and oil tanks situated near the waterfront are particularly vulnerable. Oil fires frequently result and are spread by the waves. Port facilities, fishing fleets, and public utilities are frequently the backbone of the economy of the affected areas, and these are the very resources that generally receive the most severe damage. Until debris can be cleared, wharves and piers rebuilt, utilities restored, and the fishing fleets reconstituted, communities may find themselves without fuel, food, and employment.