Where Tsunami Warnings Hit Across America

America's tsunami warning system stretches from Alaska's remote islands to Hawaii's tourist beaches to California's surf towns. When big earthquakes rock the Pacific, these are the places that hold their breath.

What the Alerts Actually Mean

First, let's decode the jargon. The National Weather Service throws around four different tsunami alerts and mixing them up could get mean your life.

A Tsunami Warning means get out now. Water's coming, flooding's happening, and beaches are about to become death zones. Don't grab your camera. Don't stay behind to be with your stuff. Move.

A Tsunami Advisory is less apocalyptic but still serious. The waves won't flatten buildings, but they'll create killer currents in harbors and beaches. If possible, move inland as far as you can or stay with family or friends in a safe zone until the advisory is over.