If a tsunami warning or a watch is issued for the area use common sense and stay away from low-lying coastal beaches. Prepare to head inland to higher ground away from the ocean. Bulletins are issued through local authorities and emergency management offices and NWR provides direct broadcast of tsunami information to the public. The danger from a tsunami can last for several hours after the arrival of the first wave. Tsunamis can occur at any time, day or night.
Tsunamis can travel up rivers and streams that lead to the ocean.
The force of some tsunamis is enormous. Large rocks weighing several tons along with boats and other debris can be moved inland hundreds of feet by the tsunami wave activity. Homes and buildings are destroyed. All this material and water move with great force and can kill or injure people. The NWS relies on accurate spotter reports to validate potentially dangerous weather situations.