A powerful 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia on Tuesday, prompting tsunami advisories across parts of the Pacific, including the United States and Japan.
In response, U.S. authorities have issued tsunami alerts for several regions, most notably Alaska and the entire state of Hawaii.
As of now, Hawaii is officially under a Tsunami Watch. While penning this article, from Princeville and Lihue to Kapolei, Honolulu, Kauai, O'ahu, Lahaina, Kihei, Hana, Waimea, Kailua-Kona, Hilo, and Ocean View, are all on alert, per CBS.
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NWS issued an ‘Emergency Alert’ in Hawaii
National Weather Service issues an “EXTREME EMERGENCY ALERTS” for the Hawaiian Islands as a tsunami heads their way.
{{/usCountry}}National Weather Service issues an “EXTREME EMERGENCY ALERTS” for the Hawaiian Islands as a tsunami heads their way.
{{/usCountry}}“The National Weather Service has issued a TSUNAMI WARNING. A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. You are in danger,” the emergency alert read.
“Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.”
Residents are advised to seek refuge on the fourth floor or higher in buildings that are at least ten stories tall.
Hawaiian shores could see tsunami waves by 7:17 PM
The massive earthquake struck at 1:24 PM Hawaiian Time (7:24 PM ET), about 85 miles east of Kamchatsky, just off Russia’s far eastern coast.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said the quake was powerful enough to generate a tsunami. “An investigation is under way to determine if there is a tsunami threat to Hawaii,” the PTWC said.
Notably, if a tsunami were triggered, the first waves could reach Hawaiian shores around 7:17 PM local time. “For other US and Canadian Pacific coasts in North America, the level of tsunami danger is being evaluated,” said the PTWC.
“Further information will be provided in supplementary messages.”
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In Alaska, a Tsunami Advisory is already in place for parts of the Aleutian Islands, specifically Shemya and Adak. Waves are projected to hit Shemya at 4:46 PM and Adak at 5:46 PM Alaska Daylight Time.