Why doesn't the US have a tsunami warning system?

Question

I saw a tv program that said there's an active volcano off the coast of Africa that's ready to blow anytime now, that would set off a huge tidal wave that would hit the US and destroy all cities or towns where it lands.

Answer 1

Tsunamis are rare on the East Coast. Actually, only one has ever hit, and that was off of Newfoundland.

There's been some discussion, starting in 2004, of how an event in Africa would affect the states. Here's the info:

http://www.nysun.com/article/6883

Answer 2

The US does in fact have a tsunami warning system, and it gave some warning of the great Indonesian tsunami. But the system was not designed to cover the Indian ocean, and for that reason, as well as lots of bureaucratic screwups in a number of countries, the word did not get out very well.
A tsunami warning system is probably not needed on the Atlantic coast because there is far less volcanic and earthquake activity there than on the west coast.

Answer 3

There is a Tsunami warning system around the western U.S. The odds of a tsunami on the east coast would be extremely rare since the "ring of fire" (active volcanoes) runs through the pacific ocean.

Answer 4

You need to get cable. The U.S. itself does not have its
"personal" tsunami warning system. There is an international effort to provide this warning system especially after the tsunami in Indonesia. All possible tsunami locations are watched by satillete and checked with seismographs. If a tsunami going to hit the U.S. there would be warning on all T.V. channels to warn people living on the coast.

Answer 5

That's a possibility, but a slim one. Right now, the tsunami warning system involves a guy on the beach standing in a tower with some binoculars. If you can think of a better system that isn't expensive to implement, doesn't need much maintenence, and works reliably please write your congressman. Your country needs your brains. Thank you.

Answer 6

We don't have a specifically tsunami-oriented warning system, but we have lots of warning systems that would alert us in the very unlikely case of a tsunami.

Best wishes and God bless.

Answer 7

The west coast of the US does have a warning system.

Answer 8

because that would be the only instance of a tsunami to hit the USA. the atlantic has hurricanes, and the pacific doesn't have any tropical storms. this volcano that you speak of, if erupted, would be the only chance at all.

Answer 9

We do have a tsunami warning system, but it is based out of Hawaii.

Answer 10

Ummmm. . . actually, we do have a tsunami warning system They were the people who put out the alert (finally) on the Indian ocean tsunami. Where've you been?