Tsunami Warnings Issued as Hawaii and Northern California Brace for Impact

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A massive undersea earthquake off Russia’s eastern coast has triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific, with Hawaii and Northern California’s coastline placed on high alert. Officials have ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas as waves are expected to reach American shores within hours.

The 8.8-magnitude earthquake, recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), struck near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia at 4:24 p.m. Pacific Time. 

The resulting tsunami prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a Tsunami Warning for Hawaii and the Northern California coast, from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border. Meanwhile, the rest of California remains under a Tsunami Advisory, signaling dangerous sea conditions but less severe inland threat.

In Hawaii, waves up to three meters (10 feet) are anticipated, with the first impact estimated around 7:17 p.m. local time. 

Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation and urged residents near coastlines to evacuate or seek higher ground. 

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi emphasized, “Do not stay near the beaches.” Sirens were activated throughout Maui and Oahu, and the U.S. Coast Guard directed all vessels to leave port waters as a safety measure.

On the mainland, flights to Hawaii from major West Coast cities were canceled or diverted, with Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines issuing travel waivers. Crescent City, California, identified as highly vulnerable, is projected to see wave arrival around 11:50 p.m. Monterey County authorities issued evacuation warnings for those living aboard vessels in Moss Landing.

Meteorologist Dylan Flynn with the NWS Bay Area stated the advisory’s primary threat is to boats and individuals near or in the water. “It’s not a major flooding concern inland,” he said, adding that waves may rapidly reverse currents and damage harbor infrastructure.

President Donald Trump called for national vigilance, writing, “STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE” in a message to coastal residents. Japan has also issued evacuation advisories to over 900,000 residents, with waves already recorded along its eastern coastline.

As warnings remain active, Americans are urged to heed all evacuation orders and stay away from coastlines. The NOAA Tsunami Warning System continues to monitor developments. Emergency agencies stress that tsunami events can last several hours and may involve multiple dangerous waves.