HONOLULU (KHON2) — The National Weather Service has issued a Tsunami Warning for the State of Hawai‘i following a powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Kamchatka, Russia.
This event occurred at approximately 1:34 p.m. HST and is expected to generate a tsunami that may be destructive along coastlines.
The first wave is estimated to arrive in Hawai‘i at 7:17 p.m., with Hanalei projected to see impacts by 7:10 p.m.
Residents and visitors in coastal areas are urged to evacuate immediately and seek refuge inland or at designated safe zones.
Evacuation and safety updates
3:00–4:15 P.M. Updates
The Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency has opened the following refuge areas for evacuees. These locations provide parking and restroom facilities:
- Kapa‘a High School.
- Kapa‘a Middle School.
- Ele‘ele Elementary School.
- Kōloa Library.
- Kaua‘i Community College.
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center.
- Kīlauea Elementary School.
Pets are welcome, but owners must bring a kennel, food and water for each animal.
The Kaua‘i Police Department has closed westbound traffic across the Hanalei Bridge. Eastbound traffic remains open for evacuation only.
Officials strongly urge the public to stay off the roads unless evacuating and do not call 911 unless there is an emergency.
All County services, campgrounds, and beach parks are now closed.
Tsunami preparedness
Sirens are sounding in flood inundation zones to alert the public of the tsunami threat. Residents should complete evacuations by 5:00 p.m. at the latest and move to higher ground or inland areas.
The public is advised to:
- Avoid all coastal waters and beaches.
- Prepare emergency kits and supplies.
- Monitor updates via trusted news sources and official channels.
Stay informed
- Road conditions: Call (808) 241-1725.
- Weather updates: Call the NWS automated weather line at (808) 245-6001 or click here.
- Tsunami info: Visit the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center click here.
- Emergency alerts: Sign up for Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) by clicking here.
For further questions, contact the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at (808) 241-1800.