California and Tsunamis: A Hilarious History (Because Apparently We Need More to Worry About)
Living in California is pretty sweet, right? Sunshine, beaches, celebrities who never seem to age (looking at you, Paul Rudd). But let's face it, the Golden State isn't exactly known for its chill vibe when it comes to natural disasters. Earthquakes? We got 'em. Wildfires? You betcha. Mudslides? Don't even get me started. So, it's only natural to wonder: does California also have to worry about giant walls of water threatening to turn our beachfront property into an oceanfront dream (well, maybe not the dream part)?
Brace Yourself, Californians (But Not Too Tight): The Tsunami Truth
The answer, my friends, is both terrifying and kind of…anticlimactic. Yes, California has a history with tsunamis. More than 150 times the coast has been struck by these watery wallops, according to the California Geological Survey. That's a whole lot of "surfs up" moments nobody asked for.
But here's the good news (sort of): only a dozen or so have been truly destructive. Most tsunamis in California are just glorified high tides, more of an inconvenience than a catastrophe (unless you forgot to move your flip flops). The big bad ones, though? Those are the ones that make headlines, like the 1964 Alaskan earthquake that sent 21-foot surges crashing into Crescent City. Not cool, dudes. Not cool.
So, Should We All Be Running for the Hills? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not)
Look, it's always good to be prepared. But statistically speaking, you're more likely to get hangry waiting in line at In-N-Out than get swept away by a tsunami. The California Tsunami Program has a ton of resources to help you be ready, just in case [California Geological Survey, Department of Conservation].
In the meantime, focus on the good stuff: the sunshine, the avocados that somehow cost less than your rent, and the fact that you (probably) won't be needing a wetsuit for your next beach trip. But hey, if you do find yourself inexplicably underwater – remember, know your evacuation zone and head for higher ground. Because let's face it, California has enough things to worry about. Tsunamis can wait in line.
