Eureka, Calif. – Coastal residents could have as little as 10 to 15 minutes to move to safety after a strong earthquake, prompting urgent reminders this week about tsunami evacuation zones across northwest California.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, communities along the Humboldt and Del Norte coastlines should know whether they live or work in a tsunami hazard zone and be ready to act immediately if shaking occurs. Areas highlighted include Crescent City, Eureka, and low-lying coastal neighborhoods where water could move inland quickly.
Emergency officials stress that natural warnings like strong ground shaking may be the only alert before a tsunami arrives. In those moments, residents are urged to move out of designated hazard zones to higher ground or inland areas without waiting for official instructions.
The Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group provides interactive maps to help residents identify evacuation routes and safe zones, including green-designated areas outside flood risk.
A regional tsunami preparedness drill is scheduled for late Wednesday morning, giving residents a chance to practice evacuation plans. Officials say preparation now can save lives during fast-moving coastal emergencies.
