PTWC Issues Tsunami Advisory

A Tsunami Advisory has been issued for the State of Hawai’i following an 8.3 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Central Chile.

According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, a major tsunami is not expected to hit the state. However, small waves, including changes in currents and sea level, are expected and could be hazardous to swimmers and boaters or individuals near the coastlines.

Impact of the first wave is expected to arrive at 3:11 a.m. Thursday.

The Hawai’i Emergency Management Agency says that based on information gathered by PTWC, waves could reach one to three feet along Hawai’i coastlines.

It is also likely that streams and canals that feed into the ocean may be affected.

What does an advisory actually mean? Meteorologist Malika Dudley explains the difference between a tsunami watch, advisory and warning.

***Updated at 2:30 p.m. with information from Tsunami Message #4***

By Meteorologist Malika Dudley

The video below refers to the tsunami watch being in place, however the information about potential tsunami wave heights, arrival times and forecast guidance based on DART buoys is all still relevant. There is also good information from tsunami expert and researcher, Dr. Walter Dudley, about DART buoy measurements, preparedness information and how tsunami waves propagate as they approach land. See video below for more.