Rare Tsunami May Have Hit East Coast

Tsunami's rarely hit the east coast but one may have earlier this month.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is looking into a storm that may have triggered a tsunami. On June 13th 30 tidal gauges from North Carolina to Massachusetts showed a spike in ocean levels. The spike was not much in the grand scheme of things, but significant for the east coast. The highest peak was recorded off Newport, Road Island at just under one foot.

From the shore, divers and fishermen reported tidal speed changes as well as rocks that are normally four feet underwater, exposed. After, a six foot wave was reported rushing in. It caused minor injuries to people and minor damage to docks and boats.

NOAA is looking into whether the tsunami was caused but the offshore storm that day or perhaps an underwater landslide off the continental self.