Who issues tsunami warnings for Australia?

The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC), operated by the Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia, is the official authority for tsunami warnings in Australia.

What is the difference between a tsunami warning, watch and advisory?

A Tsunami Warning is the highest level — dangerous coastal flooding and strong currents are expected or already occurring. A Tsunami Advisory means strong currents and waves dangerous to those in or near the water are expected. A Tsunami Watch means a tsunami is possible and people should stay alert for further information.

What should I do if there is a tsunami warning?

Move immediately to high ground or as far inland as possible. Stay away from the coast, harbours, rivers and estuaries until the official all-clear is given. Follow instructions from local emergency services and listen to ABC Local Radio.

How often is this page updated?

Tsunami warnings refresh automatically every 2 minutes from NOAA PTWC, NOAA NTWC and the Australian BOM JATWC. You can also press Refresh at any time.

Does this page cover tsunamis worldwide?

Yes. We aggregate official tsunami bulletins from the NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), the NOAA National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology JATWC — covering Australia, the Pacific Basin and tsunami events worldwide.

Tsunami Warnings — Australia, Pacific & Worldwide

Live color-coded tsunami warnings, watches and advisories sourced directly from the Bureau of Meteorology Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) and the NOAA Pacific & National Tsunami Warning Centers — covering Australia, the Pacific Basin and the wider world. Updated automatically every 2 minutes.

Live · updated —

Active warnings — Australia

Issued by the BOM Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC). Covers the Australian mainland, Tasmania and offshore territories.

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Active warnings — Pacific & world

Issued by NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) and the US National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC).

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Bulletin map

Active and recent tsunami bulletins from BOM JATWC and NOAA PTWC/NTWC. Tap a marker for details. Markers are placed at the source earthquake epicentre — coastal impact zones may be many hundreds of kilometres away.

What to do during a tsunami warning

If you feel a strong or long earthquake near the coast

Drop, cover and hold during shaking. As soon as it stops, move immediately to high ground or as far inland as possible — do not wait for an official warning.

If an official warning is issued

Evacuate beaches, harbours, marinas, breakwalls, rock platforms and low-lying coastal areas. Move to high ground (10m above sea level) or at least 1km inland.

Boat owners

If time permits, take vessels to water deeper than 25m. Otherwise secure them and move to high ground. Do not return to the harbour until the all-clear.

After the first wave

A tsunami is a series of waves — later waves can be larger. Do not return to evacuated areas until emergency services give the official all-clear.

Official authorities & external resources

BOM Tsunami Warnings (JATWC) Geoscience Australia — Earthquakes & Tsunamis NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center NOAA NTWC (US & Canada) International Tsunami Information Center (UNESCO) National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) NSW SES QLD SES VIC SES WA SES (DFES) TAS SES SA SES NT SES (PFES)

About tsunami warning levels

Tsunami WarningDangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours. Evacuate coastal areas immediately.

Tsunami AdvisoryStrong currents and waves dangerous to those in or near the water are expected. Stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways.

Tsunami WatchA tsunami is possible. Stay alert for further information and be prepared to act if a warning is issued.

Tsunami InformationAn earthquake has occurred — evaluation is in progress, or no tsunami threat exists, but information is being shared for awareness.

No Tsunami ThreatEvaluation complete — there is no tsunami threat to coastlines in the bulletin area.

Tim's Severe Weather aggregates official tsunami bulletins for convenience. In an emergency, always follow instructions from local emergency services and refer directly to BOM and NOAA.