A meteotsunami, a weather-induced tsunami, recently impacted Clearwater Beach, Florida, causing a surge in water levels and toppling beach chairs. The National Weather Service (NWS) documented the event, issuing several marine warnings. The meteotsunami, driven by air pressure changes from fast-moving storms, resulted in a significant wave amplified by the shallow coastal features. While visually similar to tsunamis caused by seismic activity, meteotsunamis originate from atmospheric disturbances. This phenomenon, often associated with thunderstorms and squalls, can generate waves reaching heights of six feet or more.

An aerial view of Clearwater Beach. (Photo by RICARDO ARDUENGO/AFP via Getty Images)

Distinguishing meteotsunamis from other wave events like wind-driven storm surges or seiches can be challenging. Seiches, standing waves with oscillating water levels, differ from the progressive waves of meteotsunamis, which are confined to specific wave periods. Although they can occur concurrently, seiches are typically observed in enclosed bodies of water. The difficulty in predicting these events makes issuing public warnings a challenge. However, ongoing research aims to identify atmospheric precursors and improve forecasting methods. The Florida meteotsunami significantly exceeded predicted wave heights, highlighting the unpredictable nature of these events.

A man rides a bike along Clearwater Beach. (Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty Images)

A still image from Florida's incoming storm. (NWS Tampa Bay/Twitter)

Waves crash at Outlook Beach. (Billy Schuerman/The Virginian-Pilot via AP)

Meteotsunamis are a global phenomenon, occurring in various locations, including the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Coast, and the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Currently, the NWS doesn't issue specific advisories for meteotsunamis.