The National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC), operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the National Weather Service (NWS), is a critical component of the United States’ disaster preparedness infrastructure. Headquartered in Palmer, Alaska, the NTWC is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and issuing tsunami warnings for the continental United States, Alaska, and Canada—excluding Hawaii and U.S. Pacific territories, which fall under the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center’s jurisdiction.
Established to mitigate the devastating impacts of tsunamis, the NTWC leverages advanced seismic networks, tide-level gauges, and NOAA’s Deep-Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoys to detect and confirm tsunami events. When a potentially tsunamigenic earthquake is detected, the center rapidly analyzes its location, magnitude, and depth, then issues timely warnings to emergency management agencies, local officials, and the public. These alerts enable swift evacuations and protective actions, saving lives and reducing property damage.
The NTWC’s origins trace back to the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, which was renamed in 2013 to reflect its expanded role. Over the decades, the center has played a pivotal role in improving the speed and accuracy of tsunami detection, contributing to the development of international warning systems and fostering collaboration with global partners.
Today, the NTWC operates 24/7, utilizing cutting-edge technology and data analytics to provide real-time hazard assessments. Its achievements include enhancing community preparedness programs and supporting the “Tsunami Ready” recognition initiative, which empowers coastal communities to respond effectively to tsunami threats. The NTWC exemplifies how technology and public service converge to protect lives and property, making it a model for disaster resilience in the business and technology sectors.