Tsunami

Tsunamis are a series of powerful waves caused by a large and sudden displacement of water. Very large earthquakes below or near the ocean floor are the most common cause of tsunamis, but landslides, volcanic activity, and even meteorite impacts are capable of generating a tsunami. While tsunami events don't occur very often, Ventura County's 42 miles of coastline make understanding tsunami hazards an important part of living or visiting here. Are you in the Zone?

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Five Ways to

Stay READY

  • 1 Know your risk. Check area hazard maps to learn if your home, workplace or school is in the tsunami inundation zone.
  • 2 Plan where you'll go. Identify a safe location outside the zone where you will go in an event.
  • 3 Map your route to safety. Plan how you will exit the zone using our Evacuation Route Maps. Plan routes on foot, as roads may be jammed.
  • 4 Practice your plan. Practice walking your evacuation route to ensure you can reach safety within 15 minutes.
  • 5 Stay informed. Follow the National Tsunami Warning Center on social media and activate cellular emergency alerts. Register for VC Alert.

Four Ways to

Save the Day

  • 1 Know the signs: A strong or prolonged earthquake, dramatically receding shoreline, or a loud roar coming from the ocean may indicate a tsunami is on the way.
  • 2 For tsunamis originating locally, authorities will not have time to notify you. The earthquake will be your warning to take action.
  • 3 If you are near the ocean, move to higher ground immediately. Aim to go at least one mile inland or 100 feet above sea level.
  • 4 Do not return until local authorities indicate it is safe to do so. The largest wave surge may occur hours after the arrival of the first waves.
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Three Things to

Know

  • 1 Know the different Alert Levels! Is it a Tsunami Warning, Advisory, or a Watch? | Spanish 
  • 2 Distance source tsunamis will not reach our coast for several hours, while a near source tsunami may arrive within minutes.
  • 3 Tsunamis cause rapid changes in water level and unpredictable currents that are magnified in ports and harbors. Damaging wave activity and dangerous current conditions may last for many hours or even days.

Two Things to

Ease Your Mind

  • 1 Tsunamis occur infrequently, and only rarely cause inundation in Ventura County.
  • 2 NOAA uses ocean buoys to help predict the time and severity of distant source tsunamis with great accuracy.
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One Question to Ask Yourself

Right Now

Resources

California Tsunami Inundation Zone Maps

Evacuation Route Maps: All County
North Coast | Ventura | Oxnard/Port Hueneme
Pt. Mugu | South Coast

National Tsunami Warning Center

The Tsunami Zone

National Data Buoy Center

Tsunamis! What Boaters Should Know

Can My Boat Outrun a Tsunami?

Tsunami Warning Signs

Señales de un Tsunami

Video: "The First 'Sue Nami'"

CalOES MyHazards

 

 

March 21 – 29, 2026

Tsunami Preparedness Week

March 21 – 29, 2026 is California Tsunami Preparedness Week. Check out our list of resources to learn more about what you can do to be prepared for a tsunami, participate with others in a preparedness event or create your own!

Emergency Kit

Get Started on Your Emergency Kit

Don't wait until an emergency happens, when it's too late! Ready Ventura County makes it easy for you to create a kit that's just right for your household. Use our plan builder to get started today.

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