Tsunami advisory in effect for Hawaii after M8.8 earthquake off Russia
Honolulu, Hawaii – A powerful earthquake struck off the east coast of Kamchatka at 1:25 p.m. HST, triggering a tsunami that threatened all Hawaiian islands. The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the quake at magnitude 8.0, later upgrading it to 8.8.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued a tsunami watch at 1:33 p.m., escalating it to a warning at 2:43 p.m. Warning sirens sounded at 3:23 p.m. and continued at regular intervals.
The first tsunami wave reached Hawaii around 7:17 p.m., with water visibly receding in Hanalei Bay and Haleiwa. PTWC Director Chip McCreery reported dropping water levels at 7:30 p.m., cautioning that it might take time before an all-clear could be given.
By 10:40 p.m., tsunami wave heights had fallen below the three-foot threshold, prompting the PTWC to downgrade the warning to an advisory. Evacuation orders were lifted shortly afterward.
Authorities, however, warned that dangerous sea-level changes, strong currents, and unusual wave patterns could persist for several hours, posing risks to swimmers, boaters, and those near shorelines.
Officials reminded the public that tsunami waves can wrap around islands, with subsequent waves potentially more destructive than the first. Debris and high tides may amplify the hazards.
Be aware of whether you are in a tsunami evacuation zone. If you are not sure, an interactive map is available here.
Evacuation maps are also available here and here.