Even with warning, the sheer improbability of what people along those shorelines were seeing kept them riveted to the spot when they could have been fleeing. Got an email from a friend visiting in Thailand who was eating a late breakfast overlooking the beach on a beautiful sunny day. The first wave emptied (!) the bay as it took form, then as in slow motion headed for the beach. Everyone sat mesmerized before this rare and beautiful event. There was no sense of fear, only awe and amazement. The 2nd wave was much larger than the first, came in much farther, crashing right into the restaurant, taking with it chairs and tables. Slowly it began to dawn on people that they were in danger and most began moving away from the shoreline. The 3rd wave came across the street and right into the hotels and bungalows. By then trucks were arriving to take people to the hills.

Gives the word "awesome" it's full meaning. Original archaic usage indicated dreadful, terrifying.