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A new study by geologists at the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) found that the impact of a magnitude 7.5 earthquake on the Seattle Fault could generate tsunami waves as high as 42 feet. According to the department’s simulation, those waves would reach the greater Seattle area in just three minutes, extending inland to Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. In addition, waves would hit the shoreline during this time frame at several locations on the east side of Bainbridge Island, Elliott Bay, and Alki Point. The Washington Geological Survey division conducted the study to assist local and state emergency managers and planners. FRENCH HEALTH ORGANIZATION INDICATES GROUPS AT RISK TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST BLAZE The Space Needle and Mount Rainier are seen on the skyline of Seattle, Washington, U.S., February 11, 2017. (REUTERS/Chris Helgren) Flooding from such an event would exceed 20 feet along the shoreline of the greater Seattle area. Strong currents and flooding may continue for more than three hours from the onset of the earthquake. Six feet of flooding in Tacoma Harbor would be lower than previous studies, however, it also found that waves could travel up to three miles inland in parts of the harbor. The Seattle skyline is pictured from a Washington State Ferry after a statement from ferry officials asking riders to consider staying in their vehicles when riding the ferry and other steps to minimize exposure to the coronavirus in Seattle, Washington , USA, March 4, 2020. (REUTERS/Jason Redmond ) The study also showed coastal flooding and increased currents throughout the Salish Sea – from Blaine to Olympia. The Seattle Fault runs east-west through Puget Sound and downtown Seattle. PREDICTION: WHAT IS THE FACE BLINDING CONDITION BRAT PITT SAYS HE HAS The scenario used in this modeling is for a very large, low-probability earthquake that produces the maximum considered tsunami generated by the Seattle Fault for emergency planning purposes.
The model does not account for tidal stages or local tsunamis caused by earthquake-triggered landslides. The Space Needle and Mount Rainier are seen on the skyline of Seattle, Washington, U.S., February 11, 2017. (REUTERS/Chris Helgren) The last earthquake on the Seattle fault occurred about 1,100 years ago. The department wrote that data shows five additional earthquakes with an estimated magnitude of 6.5 have occurred in the Seattle fault zone during the past 3,500 years. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “While the chances of this happening in our lifetime are slim, it’s important for families to prepare now,” Maximilian Dixon, the hazard and outreach program supervisor for the Washington Department of Emergency Management, said in a statement. “The shaking of the ground will be your warning that a tsunami may be approaching. Make sure you know where the nearest high ground is and the fastest route to get there. Sign up for tsunami and local alerts.” Julia Musto is a reporter for Fox News Digital. You can find her on Twitter at @JuliaElenaMusto.