The task of a Tsunami Warning Center (TWC) is to give advance forewarning to coastal society in the occurrence of a tsunami. TWCs question their early warning supported on earthquake foundation region and magnitude standard to achieve this. For example, a magnitude 8.2 earthquake in the Gulf of Alaska will appoint a warning for all coastal regions surrounded by a three hour tsunami tour time from the starting place. Note that this move toward bases warning size completely on tsunami travel time or reserve from the foundation which may guide to over-warning as several regions within the travel time or remoteness are not endangered.

Tsunami forecast models can assist border the warning region extent by charging the risk in advance. At the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WCATWC), the Alaska Tsunami Forecast Model is performed and the productivity for likely earthquake resources along tectonic limitations during the Pacific basin with magnitudes vary from 7.5 to 9.5 is database. The environmental degree of the original tsunami warnings and/or advisories is then charged using the pre-computed forecasts. The primary tsunami warning, recognized formerly supported on earthquake position and magnitude, is then moreover limited or prolonged as essential based upon the risk level.

When part of coastline is positioned under a counselor an advisory, the WCATWC describes them into segments through the use of “breakpoints.” Breakpoints are pre-defined ending point places for a detailed part of coastline, and they correspond with the limits of National Weather Service public forecast zones. One or more communal zones are integrated among two breakpoints, although not all the public zones may have the matching threat.