Tsunami warning issued for Hawaii after magnitude 8.8 earthquake strikes off Russia

HAWAII – A Tsunami Warning has been issued for Hawaii and for Alaska’s Aleutian Islands after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia.

The earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula at a depth of 20.7 km, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake was given a preliminary 8.0 magnitude. It was updated to a 8.7 magnitude and then updated again to 8.8.

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Officials say based on their evaluations, a tsunami has been generated that could cause damage to coastlines on islands on Hawaii. They estimate the earliest time of arrival for waves to be at 7:17 p.m. HST.

Another Tsunami Watch was also issued for coastal areas of California, Oregon, and Washington. It has since been upgraded to a Tsunami Advisory, meaning a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to persons in or very near the water is expected. Areas in the advisory should not expect widespread inundation.