Everything is quiet. For now. If you're looking at the tsunami warning california today map, you'll likely see a sea of green or a simple "No Tsunami Threat" across the official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) dashboards. That’s good news. On this Saturday, January 17, 2026, the sensors at the National Tsunami Warning Center aren't screaming. But if you live in places like Eureka, Santa Cruz, or the low-lying parts of San Diego, "quiet" is just a temporary state of being.
Honestly, people often wait until the sirens go off to care about how these maps work. That's a mistake. When the ground starts rolling—like that 6.0 off the coast of Oregon yesterday—the window for checking a map closes fast. Basically, by the time you're Googling "is there a tsunami coming," you should already be on higher ground.
Why the Map Looks Different Depending on Who You Ask
There isn't just one "map." That’s where it gets kinda confusing for most of us. You have the real-time warning map and the inundation hazard map. They do totally different jobs.
The real-time map, managed by the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers, is your "live feed." It shows color-coded zones based on active threats. If a massive quake hits the Aleutian Islands, this map will light up with warnings, advisories, or watches.
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Then there are the inundation maps from the California Geological Survey (CGS). These don't change based on today's weather. They show the worst-case scenario. If the big one hits the Cascadia Subduction Zone, these maps show exactly which streets in Crescent City or Huntington Beach will end up underwater.
The Difference Between a Warning and an Advisory
You’ve probably seen these terms tossed around, but they aren't interchangeable.
- Warning: A big wave is likely. You need to evacuate. Period.
- Advisory: Strong currents and dangerous waves are expected in the water. Stay off the beach, but you probably don't need to run for the hills unless you're literally on the sand.
- Watch: Scientists are still checking the data. Keep your shoes on.
- Information Statement: Usually issued after an earthquake to tell everyone "Relax, nothing is happening."
The Science of the "Quiet" Days
Why did that 6.0 Oregon quake yesterday not trigger a tsunami? Most people think every big quake in the ocean creates a wave. It doesn't. You need vertical movement. If the seafloor slides side-to-side (strike-slip), the water just kind of sloshes. You need that seafloor to thrust upward like a giant piston to displace enough water to create a wall of energy.
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The tsunami warning california today map is currently empty because recent seismic activity—including several small quakes near Brawley and Coso Junction—was either too small or too far inland to move the ocean.
Your Street-Level Risk
If you want to see if your house is in the danger zone, the state has an interactive "Tsunami Hazard Area" tool. It’s pretty detailed. You can type in your address and see the yellow zones (areas that could be flooded).
Some counties have updated these maps recently. For instance, Marin County and parts of the Bay Area saw their hazard zones expand in late 2022 because scientists realized the "inner coast" (the bay side) was more vulnerable than previously thought. A wave coming through the Golden Gate doesn't just stop; it bounces and surges deep into the San Rafael and Richmond shorelines.
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What to Actually Do Next
Checking the map is the first step, but it's not a plan. If you are in a coastal zone, do these three things right now while the map is still green:
- Identify your "Green Zone": Look at the official CGS maps and find the nearest high-ground area marked in green. That is your destination. Don't pick a "nice" spot; pick a high spot.
- Ditch the Car if Necessary: In a major local quake, roads will be cracked or jammed with traffic. Plan a walking route to high ground. If you can walk there in 15 minutes, you’re ahead of the game.
- Sign Up for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Your phone will buzz with a specialized tone for a tsunami warning. Don't disable these. In a local event, the "map" won't update fast enough to save you—the shaking is your warning.
Keep an eye on the National Tsunami Warning Center for any shifts in status. For today, January 17, 2026, the Pacific is behaving, but California's coast is always a "when," not an "if."