Tsunami | Skagit County

Some coastal and low-lying areas of Skagit County are within tsunami hazard zones. Skagit County and the Washington Geological Survey have published tsunami evacuation and walk-time maps for areas including Anacortes and the Samish/Bow/Edison area.

Know the Warning Signs

A tsunami may arrive before an official warning reaches you.

Natural warning signs may include:

strong or long-lasting earthquake shaking
coastal water suddenly rising or receding
an unusual or rapidly changing water level
other signs of a major nearby earthquake

For people in Washington, a large earthquake is one of the most important natural tsunami warnings.

Before a Tsunami

Know whether you are in a tsunami hazard zone.

Review local evacuation and walk-time maps.

Learn and practice your evacuation route.

Plan to evacuate on foot when possible because roads may be damaged or congested.

Keep a Go Kit available.

Have more than one way to receive emergency information.

Sign up for Skagit Ready Alerts.

Sign Up for Tsunami Alerts

Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold

Drop, Cover, and Hold On first.

As soon as shaking reduces enough for you to move safely, evacuate if you are in a tsunami hazard area.

Move inland or to higher ground.

Do not go to the shoreline to watch for a tsunami.

DROP to your hands and knees.

COVER your head and neck. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, get underneath it.

HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

If you are indoors, stay indoors during the shaking, do not run outside. If you are outside, move away from buildings, trees, utility poles, and power lines if you can safely do so. If you are driving, pull over in a safe location away from bridges, overpasses and power lines, and remain in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

After

Stay outside the tsunami hazard area until officials say it is safe to return.

Tsunamis consist of a series of waves, and dangerous conditions may continue after the first wave.

Continue monitoring official information and avoid damaged roads, flooded areas, and debris.

More Information

WA EMD

WA DNR