“Mega Tsunami” Risk Has Utah, California & Nevada FREAKED OUT!

Alright, West Coasters, it’s time to talk tsunamis. There’s no current warning, but experts predict a mega-tsunami could be possible within the next 50 years. And even though Utah’s miles from the ocean, people all across Utah, California, and Nevada are buzzing about the possibilities. So, what exactly are we looking at here?

The Tsunami Threat: What’s the Risk?

• California’s coastline is marked as “high hazard” by the Think Hazard initiative, with a 40% chance of a damaging tsunami over the next 50 years.
• Potential triggers? Tsunamis can result from underwater earthquakes, landslides, or far-off events like quakes in Japan or Alaska.
• If triggered by a distant quake, a tsunami could take 5–6 hours to reach California’s shorelines, while local events might bring waves within mere minutes.

Size Matters: What Kind of Tsunami Could We See?

• Southern California: Tsunamis here could range from gentle currents to a 25-foot wall of water in worst-case scenarios.
• Northern California: The waves pack even more power, potentially reaching up to 50 feet high.
• Inland Impact: While the direct threat is coastal, the economic and transportation effects could ripple into inland states like Nevada and Utah.

Preparedness: How California is Getting Ready

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services is stepping up with preventive measures, including:

• Evacuation and Inundation Mapping: Identifying areas at high risk and mapping escape routes.
• Evacuation Assistance: Helping communities plan and prepare.
• Coastal Signage and Education: Increasing awareness and safety practices along popular coastal spots.

But Really... Should We Freak Out?

In short: maybe don’t sell your beach house just yet. While a tsunami is a possibility, the state’s been prepping extensively to reduce risk and increase awareness. So yes, there’s a slim chance a wall of water could surprise us in the next 50 years. But hey, the odds are just as good that you’ll see nothing more than waves rolling in while you sip a latte.

For now, enjoy those coastal views but keep an ear open if you’re near the shore. We’re ready if anything happens—mostly.