Experts have recently identified three major regions in the United States that face a significant risk of tsunamis and flooding, highlighting growing concerns for coastal communities as natural and environmental threats continue to evolve. These high-risk areas include the Pacific Northwest, the East Coast, and the Gulf Coast.

While each of these regions has unique geological and environmental factors contributing to their vulnerability, they all share the potential for devastating consequences in the event of a tsunami. According to scientists, these zones are under threat from a combination of earthquakes, underwater landslides, and the ongoing rise in sea levels driven by climate change. Tsunamis are incredibly powerful natural events that can be triggered by sudden movements in the Earth’s crust or large shifts in underwater terrain. When these disturbances occur, massive waves can travel across the ocean at jetliner speeds, eventually crashing into coastal areas with towering force. What makes tsunamis especially dangerous is how quickly they can arrive, often giving little time for people to evacuate or seek higher ground.

The Pacific Northwest, particularly the area sitting above the Cascadia Subduction Zone, faces the highest tsunami risk in the country. This region is vulnerable to a major earthquake, and scientists estimate there is a strong likelihood—approximately 37 percent—of a massive seismic event happening in the next 50 years. If such a quake occurs, it could trigger a powerful tsunami capable of inundating coastal towns and cities within minutes. States like Oregon and Washington have already begun strengthening emergency preparedness and updating evacuation routes in response to this looming threat. On the East Coast, the danger primarily stems from underwater landslides and earthquakes that originate far away, particularly in the Caribbean.

While this region isn’t typically associated with large seismic activity, it’s still at risk due to the complex network of tectonic faults in the Atlantic Ocean. A strong enough event in the Caribbean could generate a tsunami that reaches the Eastern Seaboard, threatening cities and towns from Florida all the way up to New England. Despite being somewhat overlooked, the East Coast’s low-lying geography makes it especially susceptible to flooding, and communities in this area are being encouraged to pay close attention to tsunami readiness.

The Gulf Coast, while generally considered to have a lower tsunami risk compared to the Pacific Northwest and East Coast, is not immune to the threat. The region could still experience tsunamis triggered by underwater landslides or extreme weather events. Although these events may be rarer, their potential impact—especially when combined with rising sea levels—cannot be ignored. Areas such as coastal Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and western Florida remain vulnerable, particularly given the region’s flat topography and already heightened risk of flooding from hurricanes and tropical storms. One of the most concerning aspects of tsunami preparedness is the limited warning time available for locally generated events. In many cases, people living near the epicenter of an earthquake or underwater landslide have just minutes—if that—to escape the incoming waves. That’s why scientists emphasize the importance of public awareness and personal preparedness. If you ever feel a strong earthquake while near the coast, or observe unusual ocean behavior such as the sea suddenly pulling back, those are clear signs to evacuate immediately to higher ground. Don’t wait for official alerts—quick action can save your life. Climate change is also playing a role in increasing tsunami-related risks by causing sea levels to rise and contributing to coastal erosion. These changes make shorelines more vulnerable and reduce the natural barriers that can help absorb or redirect wave energy. As a result, waves can reach further inland than they might have in the past. In response, scientists and emergency management agencies are working to improve tsunami detection systems, refine evacuation plans, and educate the public about the risks and appropriate actions. By understanding the specific threats facing each region and taking proactive steps to prepare, communities across the United States can increase their resilience and reduce the chances of catastrophe when the next tsunami strikes.