Beachgoers Panic as ‘Mini Tsunami’ Floods France (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 10:29 PM ET

Hurricane Erin has long since passed the Caribbean and United States’ east coast. Now, it’s traveled across the pond, and is currently hammering Europe.

With solid waves from the UK, all the way down to Portugal, we’re keeping our eyes peeled as this potentially massive swell continues to batter the continent.

But, similar to the US, while some surfers were scoring the swell, other civilian beachgoers felt its wrath. Like these folks in France, who ran for their lives as large surges of water – which was dubbed a “mini tsunami” – swept across the shoreline. Watch below.

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It’s a typical scene. Unsuspecting people, simply enjoying a day on the beach, are suddenly overcome and inundated by large washes of water, putting a damper on their day and belongings. Some run in fear; some stand with blank stares, unsure what to do.

As one commentor noted, comparing the situation to the oblivious tourists on the North Shore of Oahu, who often get swept away when a large set rolls in, they wrote:

“Looks like the same people that sit near the shorebreak at Pipe!”

As the coast guard warned, Europe has been and will continue to be battered by swell from Hurricane Erin. They issued this statement:

"The waves aren't as big as predicted but they're carrying a lot of energy and push hard, and there is a lot of water moving, so please obey lifeguard commands and guidance.

“The swell from Hurricane Erin arrived overnight and the sea is looking very lively today. Strong waves and currents could lead to people being swept out to sea. With the spring tides, the water will also reach higher levels than usual, increasing the chance of people being cut off."

Meanwhile, elsewhere in France, some surfers are scoring…