The first tsunami is expected to hit Big Island shores between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., a Hawaii County Civil Defense official said. Residents are being ordered to move to higher ground Saturday night following a magnitude-7.7 earthquake off the
The first tsunami is expected to hit Big Island shores between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., a Hawaii County Civil Defense official said.
Residents are being ordered to move to higher ground Saturday night following a magnitude-7.7 earthquake off the Queen Charlotte Islands area off British Columbia, Canada. Evacuation sites have been opened around the island. See below for more information.
The first wave is anticipated to hit the Big Island’s shores between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m., according to Lincoln Ashida, who is assisting with emergency operations in Hawaii County. The waves, as of 9:11 p.m., are forecast to be between 5 feet and 9 feet 10 inches.
The tsunami warning sirens are going off, however, civil defense did receive reports of sirens not sounding in Kona and Hilo, he said. Police have been recalled and are directing traffic at road closure. Please drive with caution. Roads in low-lying areas are closed.
The warning, issued at 7:09 p.m. follows a magnitude-7.7 earthquake that occurred at 5:04 p.m. in the Queen Charlotte Islands area off British Columbia, Canada, according to the center. Initially, the center said no tsunami had been generated, however, the warning was later issued.
West Hawaii Today will provide updates as soon information is available.
Emergency evacuation sites open:
North Kona: West Hawaii Civic Center, Bldg. G.
South Kona: Imin Center
Kau: Pahala Community Center and Naalehu Community Center
North Kohala: Hisaoka Gym
South Kohala: Waimea Community Center
