Has New Jersey ever had a tsunami?

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) – Destructive winter storms have eroded New Jersey beaches, leaving them with very little protection from the ocean.

All of the erosion in the Garden State has begged the question: Has New Jersey ever had a tsunami?

A tsunami is defined as "a series of long waves generated by a large and sudden displacement of the ocean," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Tsunamis are usually caused by earthquakes but can be triggered by weather, landslides, volcanic activity, and meteorites.

There have been two recorded tsunami events in New Jersey, according to the NOAA. The first tsunami event happened in 1938 and the second in 1944.

A "very doubtful tsunami" hit New Jersey on Sept. 21, 1938. The cause was attributed to a Category 3 hurricane called "The Long Island Express," according to the NOAA.

Scientists reported storm surges of 10 to 12 feet and that the waves were hurricane-induced. "The Long Island Express" caused 600 deaths and $308 million in damages across the U.S., according to NOAA.

One scientist theorized a landslide or slump could have caused the tsunami-like waves in addition to hurricane-induced waves, per the NOAA.

A second "very doubtful tsunami" struck New Jersey on Sept. 14, 1944, during "The Great Atlantic Hurricane." The Category 3 hurricane was attributed to 46 deaths and $100 million in damages across the U.S., according to the NOAA.

Scientists theorized again that there was a landslide or slump, possibly caused by an earthquake that hit upstate New York nine days before the hurricane.