New simulations show tsunami impacts on Washington communities

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Natural Resources released new videos on Tuesday to show how tsunamis could impact communities in Washington.

The series of modeled simulations, see videos below, show tsunamis started by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake on the Cascadia Subduction zone.

"We know tsunamis will hit our state. It's a question of when, not if, which means we need to prepare now. Our hope is that these stark videos drive home the need for communities to take action to become more secure and resilient," said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.

The simulations show the estimated height and speed of waves that are expected to reach the entire Washington coast minutes after the next Cascadia earthquake -- with more detailed views for Bellingham and the San Juan Islands.

DNR officials said their simulation shows the first waves reaching the outer coast in about 15 minutes.

"The tsunami then travels through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and into Puget Sound, reaching the Tacoma waterfront about two hours and 30 minutes after the earthquake," officials wrote in a news release.

Click here for more information from the DNR.