Tsunami Watch Issued For State of Hawai´i

UPDATE: As of 9:54 pm, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has CANCELLED the tsunami watch for the State of Hawai´i. There is no tsunami threat to the Hawaiian Islands, based on the newest reports.

UPDATE: The USGS has updated the earthquake from a M-8.1 to a M-8.2.

Hawai´i is currently under a tsunami watch.

The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach issued the watch Wednesday evening, July 28, at 8:25 pm Hawai´i Standard Time. It comes after initial reports of what is currently being described as a magnitude-8.2 earthquake in the location of the Alaska Peninsula.

“Based on all available data, a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter,” according to the report from the NWS. “An investigation is underway to determine if there is a tsunami threat to Hawai´i.”

The report continued on to say that if tsunami waves do impact the state, the earliest estimated arrival of the first wave is 12:53 am on Thursday, July 29.

This situation will be updated as more information becomes available.

The USGS reports that the quake occurred at a depth of 46.7 km and was located:

1. 90.9 km (56.5 mi) WNW of Perryville, Alaska
2. 789 km (490.2 mi) NNE of Anchorage, Alaska
3. 809.1 km (502.8 mi) NNE of Eagle River, Alaska
4. 824.3 km (512.2 mi) NNE of Knik-Fairview, Alaska
5. 1448.6 km (900.1 mi) ENE of Juneau, Alaska

Stay with us for updates.

Residents and visitors are urged to monitor local media for updates. 

There are no road closures at this time.

More information about the Tsunami Watch is also available through the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center’s website, www.tsunami.gov.

Helpful Definitions:

• TSUNAMI WATCH – Significant distant earthquake has occurred. Tsunami approach not confirmed but possible. No siren sounding. Prepare for possible upgradeto tsunami warning.
• TSUNAMI WARNING – Tsunami approach confirmed. Sirens will sound. Monitor radio. Be prepared to evacuate when advised/ordered by civil defense.
• TSUNAMI EVACUATION – Sirens will sound. Turn on radio. Those who are in tsunami evacuation zones must begin evacuation when the evacuation advisory/order is issued by civil defense.

Evacuation Maps

• State of Hawaii Tsunami Evacuation Maps
• Kauai Emergency Management Tsunami Evacuation Maps
• City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management Tsunami Evacuation Maps
• Maui County Emergency Management Tsunami Evacuation Maps
• Hawaii County Civil Defense Tsunami Evacuation Maps

Know if you work in a Tsunami Zone

In Hawai`i, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has responsibility for tsunami monitoring, and the subsequent issuance of any necessary watches or warnings. Hawai`i is also home to the International Tsunami Information Center (ITIC), which provides a wealth of information about tsunamis.

Travel Times Map for Hawaii

Travel Times Map for Hawaii from the International Tsunami Information Center

More Resources

• About Tsunamis from ITIC
• Where Will the Water Reach?
• What to do Safety Rules * pdf
• What to do Before a Tsunami * pdf
• What to do if you have a boat * pdf
• Tsunami Information from the American Red Cross
• National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Guide