Experts warn a powerful 8.0+ earthquake could strike parts of the U.S. for the first time in over 300 years — and it might trigger 1,000-foot mega tsunamis 😲

Imagine waking up to see a wall of ocean water charging toward your neighborhood. According to scientists, that nightmare scenario is not science fiction but a very real risk for parts of the United States.

Researchers are warning that a “mega tsunami” could devastate coastal regions stretching from Northern California to Washington State, with Alaska and Hawaii also facing serious threats. The danger stems from the Cascadia subduction zone, a massive fault line lying dormant beneath the Pacific Northwest.

**The Cascadia Subduction Zone Explained**
This fault runs from Northern Vancouver Island down to Cape Mendocino, California. Experts say a major earthquake here could cause land to sink by up to 6½ feet, widening floodplains and magnifying tsunami damage. “The expansion of the coastal floodplain following a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake has not been previously quantified,” noted Tina Dura, a Virginia Tech researcher and lead author of a recent study. The quake’s aftermath, she warned, could significantly delay recovery.

Scientists estimate there is a 15% chance of an earthquake of magnitude 8.0 or higher in the next 50 years. If that happens, displaced ocean water could unleash waves hundreds of feet tall, traveling at tremendous speeds and flattening entire communities.

**Alaska and Hawaii in the Crosshairs**
Alaska, prone to quakes already, is becoming even more vulnerable as melting glaciers loosen rocks and trigger landslides capable of producing deadly tsunamis. Hawaii has its own grim history: about 105,000 years ago, a volcanic collapse created a 1,000-foot wave that slammed into the island of Lanai. With volcanoes like Mauna Loa and Kilauea still active, the risk is far from over.

**A Wake-Up Call for the Pacific Rim**
The Pacific “Ring of Fire” remains the world’s most volatile seismic zone, and history suggests the Cascadia region is overdue for a massive event — its last major rupture occurred in 1700. While the exact timing is unknown, experts stress preparation is key.

Residents are urged to know evacuation routes, stay tuned to emergency alerts, and plan ahead with their families. The question, scientists say, is not *if* a mega tsunami will strike — but *when*.