Tuesday coverage:Live updates from the time of the advisories to waves reaching Hawaii
The first waves of a tsunami have reached Hawaii and parts of the Northern California coast following a Tuesday 8.8 magnitude quake off the Russian Pacific coast. A tsunami warning was in effect in Hawaii and in Northern California — from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon border — and residents were told to evacuate coastal areas and designated evacuation zones Tuesday evening and into Wednesday. The rest of California remained under a tsunami advisory .
Areas under a warning could face dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents and people should evacuate to higher grounds or inland. Areas under an advisory can expect strong currents and dangerous waves and people should stay away from beaches and the water. The Bay Area is not expected to be seriously impacted by the water surge.
- Russia’s earthquake was one of the biggest ever.Could California see a quake that strong?
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Tsunami reaches Northern California coast
The first waves of the tsunami reached the Northern California coast early Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service, which warned in a social media post: “The first Tsunami waves are beginning to impact the coast with clear waves being recorded at the Crescent City and Humboldt Bay tide gauges. Waves will continue to build in through the night and will become more dangerous as we approach high tide. Stay away from beaches!”
No damage reported on Oregon coast, but tsunami risk remains
No immediate damage or injuries were reported in the first hour after tsunami waves were expected to reach the Oregon coast, according to local media reports. However, emergency officials continue to warn residents to stay off beaches and away from harbors and marinas through Wednesday morning, noting that dangerous surges may continue for several hours.
China lifts tsunami alert for Shanghai and Zhejiang
China has lifted its tsunami alert for Shanghai and Zhejiang, according to local media reports. However, Taiwan’s tsunami alert remains in effect as authorities continue to monitor conditions.
U.S. Navy secures ships, opens evacuation route as tsunami hits Hawaii
The U.S. Navy has secured vessels in Hawaii ports and directed the evacuation of shorelines and beaches as tsunami waves reach the state, according to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The Navy’s regional office said that the military opened a pass on Oahu’s western Waianae Coast to support evacuation efforts. The Navy is working to share updates from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and NOAA, both located on the base.
Oprah opens private Maui road to assist with tsunami evacuation
Oprah Winfrey has opened her private road in Maui to help residents evacuate following tsunami warnings, her spokesperson confirmed. “As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened,” the spokesperson told CNN. Law enforcement is on site, guiding “residents through 50 cars at a time to ensure everyone’s safety.” The road “will remain open as long as necessary.”Earlier on Tuesday, Winfrey faced online criticism amid claims that she had not opened the private road on her Maui property as residents fled coastal areas under a tsunami warning. Social media users alleged that access from Wailea to Kula remained closed, causing gridlock. One viral post read: “Oprah won’t open her private road… Massive traffic in Maui with thousands trying to escape.” The claims were unverified.
Waters reach Hilo Hotel
A hotel right on the water in Hilo Bay, Hawaii, called SCP Hilo Hotel was flooded with a significant amount of water, according to an X user who posted a video around 12:20 a.m. Pacific time. A few feet of water appeared to fill the entrance area, rising up the front steps of the hotel.
12:30 a.m.: Crescent City officials say wave delayed, urge caution for next 30 hours
Crescent City officials say the first tsunami wave or surge “could be delayed by 20 minutes,” according to the latest update from City Hall. Residents and visitors are urged to “stay away from beaches, waterways and low lying areas for the next 30 hours.”
Washington unlikely to see major tsunami flooding
The National Weather Service says Washington is not expected to experience major coastal flooding. “We are not expecting significant coastal inundation at the moment, because up to one foot is not really significant in regards to tsunami wave height,” meteorologist Jacob DeFlitch told the Seattle Times. Estimated wave heights on Washington’s coast range from under a foot to 1.3 feet in Moclips, Grays Harbor County. However, the NWS said strong ocean currents remain a concern.
No substantial damage reported yet
No substantial damage has been reported in regions around the Pacific Ocean so far. In Hawaii, a few parking lots close to the ocean, including at Haleiwa Boat Harbor, were inundated with a shallow amount of water, according to live television reports, but no apparent significant coastal flooding yet.
Hawaii County officials: ‘It’s not over yet’
As the first Tsunami waves reached Hawaii Tuesday evening, Hawaii County’s civil defense agency had a warning for residents: “It’s not over yet.”The agency said initial wave impacts from the leading edge of the tsunami were measured at several feet by some monitoring stations, adding that “follow-up” waves in the hours ahead “often are larger.” The agency urged residents to avoid evacuated areas until the warning has been officially lifted.
Flooding reported in Hilo Bay
A parking lot in Coconut Island in Hilo Bay, Hawaii, was flooded with a small amount of seawater, according to a live television broadcast by Hawaii News Now.
8-foot waves hit Hawaii
Charles McCreery, director of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, said at a press conference shortly before midnight PT that the largest waves to hit Hawaii were about 8 feet crest to trough at Kahoʻolawe and Haleiwa — which is about 4 feet above sea level…