Scientists: Tsunami Hit East Coast Earlier In June
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A storm that blew through earlier this month might have spurred a rare phenomenon for the East Coast: a tsunami.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the tsunami was observed June 13 at more than 30 tide gages on the East Coast, Bermuda and Puerto Rico. The highest peak amplitude was recorded in Newport, R.I, where it reached just under a foot above sea level.
NOAA says one man who was fishing in Barnegat Inlet in New Jersey saw the current going out and then a six-foot wave.
Three people standing on rocks were swept into the water. Two needed medical attention.
Scientists are trying to determine the cause, but they say the tsunami may have been related to a strong storm that moved through the region and offshore that day.
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