Eureka, California, is located in a region vulnerable to tsunamis, particularly those triggered by earthquakes along the Cascadia Subduction Zone. If you feel strong or prolonged ground shaking, it may be your only warning that a tsunami is on its way. In some cases, a tsunami could arrive in as little as ten minutes after the shaking starts. It is critical to act immediately without waiting for official alerts. Areas at risk for flooding during a tsunami are marked in yellow on tsunami evacuation maps. If your within this yellow tsunami inundation zone, you must evacuate on foot quickly and move inland or to higher ground without delay.

If you are already located in a designated safe zone — areas outside the yellow inundation zone — you do not need to evacuate further when a tsunami warning is issued. Staying put in the safe zone helps reduce congestion on evacuation routes and ensures emergency responders can focus on assisting those who are truly at risk. Planning ahead is key: familiarize yourself with the maps, know the boundaries of the inundation zone, and identify safe walking routes to higher ground before an emergency occurs. Being prepared and understanding the local tsunami hazard information can save your life in the event of a major earthquake and tsunami.

View an interactive map here

An earthquake happens and you are in a tsunami zone…

Count how many seconds there is significant shaking.
If over 7 seconds, wait until it is safe to move and then start walking towards a safe zone.
Do not drive if you are able to walk, this will help keep the roads clear for emergency responders.
If you are located in Downtown or Old Town Eureka walk towards 7th street, away from the bay.

Ask for help if you need it.

DO NOT RETURN UNTIL YOU ARE NOTIFIED IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. Tsunami waves can increase in size during the 48 hours after an earthquake.

You will be notified it is safe to return by: