Tsunami warnings issued for Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast have been downgraded to an advisory following a powerful earthquake off the Russian Pacific coast.
The Hawaii Department of Emergency Management notified residents that while dangerous tsunami waves were no longer anticipated to affect the state, caution is still advised along coastal areas.
Authorities emphasized that dangerous conditions might persist in near-shore waters, urging people to exercise extreme caution if near or on the water.
Those who evacuated during the warning can return to their homes now, and Hawaii’s airports have reopened after a temporary closure that led to numerous flight delays and cancellations.
Travelers are reminded to check with their airlines regarding any changes to their flight schedules.
In addition to Hawaii, tsunami alerts have also been mitigated for the U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and various countries across the Pacific Ocean, including Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, Peru, the Galapagos Islands, and sections of China.
However, the National Weather Service in the Bay Area and Los Angeles continues to advise the public to exercise caution near the water.
In San Francisco, officials reported tidal swings of 2 to 2.5 feet occurring within just 15 minutes, which can create dangerously strong currents along beaches and harbors.
“It’s just a good idea to stay away from the water today!” the service warned.
Earlier reports indicated that tsunami alerts for Hawaii, the U.S. West Coast, and Alaska were issued following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake registered off the coast of Russia.
The Department of Emergency Management for Hawaii’s main island of Oahu initially urged residents in the city of Honolulu and surrounding areas to seek higher elevations due to expected waves.
The first waves were projected to reach Hawaii around 7:17 PM local time, with subsequent reports from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirming wave heights of approximately 5.7 feet recorded on Maui and 4.9 feet in Hilo.
Mayor Rick Blangiardi of Honolulu’s Emergency Operations Center stressed the importance of prioritizing family safety during this critical moment.
“We need everyone to take this situation seriously, act accordingly, evacuate inundation zones, and listen to first responders.
We are asking everyone to remain calm and be safe,” he stated.
The earthquake, which struck near the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East, is noted as the strongest tremor to affect the region since 1952.
In light of the potential for severe flooding, the Hawaii Film Office provided links to the islands’ Emergency Management resources, ensuring that safety measures are publicly accessible.
As conditions unfold, updates regarding film and television shoots on the islands are yet to be announced amidst the ongoing concerns.
The U.S. National Weather Service previously extended a tsunami warning that encompassed various regions including portions of Alaska, Guam, American Samoa, and the West Coast of the United States.
People along the West Coast were advised to avoid beaches, harbors, and marinas, with waves expected to affect coastal areas in San Francisco and California during the early hours of the morning.
In response to the situation, President Donald Trump issued a warning on his official social media account, advising the public to seek updates from the nation’s Tsunami control services.
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