Meteotsunamis: The Storm-Driven Waves That Surprise Beaches and the Great Lakes
Note: Some future links on this site may be affiliate links. We never claim hands-on testing; guides are researched from the public sources listed in each article.
How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of NOAA National Ocean Service guidance on meteotsunamis, checked October 29, 2026.
A tsunami made by weather
A meteotsunami is a series of waves driven by air-pressure disturbances from fast-moving weather such as severe thunderstorms, squalls and storm fronts. Seismic tsunamis start with earthquakes; meteotsunamis start in the atmosphere.
The storm generates a wave that moves toward shore. A shallow continental shelf, inlet, bay or other coastal feature then amplifies it.
How big, and where
- NOAA says they're typically much smaller and less destructive than seismic tsunamis. They have still been observed 6 feet high or more.
- They occur around the world, including the Great Lakes, the Gulf of America, the Atlantic Coast, and the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas.
Why they're hard to predict
A meteotsunami looks almost the same as a seismic tsunami. It can also be confused with wind-driven storm surge or a seiche, a sloshing wave in an enclosed body of water. That makes warnings difficult. NOAA scientists have identified atmospheric conditions likely to produce them and are working on forecasts.
What it means for you
- When a fast-moving line of storms crosses a beach or lake, get out of the water and off the beach, which you should do for lightning anyway; see beach lightning safety.
- A sudden rise or drop in water level after a squall is a reason to move to higher ground.
- Watch for severe thunderstorm warnings and Wireless Emergency Alerts.
Related: rip currents, waterspouts, king tides.