Tsunami alerts triggered for Hawaii, Alaska after massive 8.0 quake strikes off Russia

The entire state of Hawaii is under a Tsunami Watch while parts of Alaska are under a Tsunami Advisory after a strong magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck off the east coast of Russia Tuesday evening.

The quake hit at 1:24 p.m. Hawaiian Time (7:24 p.m. ET, 2:24 a.m. Wednesday local time) about 85 miles east of Kamchatsky off the eastern Russian coast.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says a quake of that magnitude may have triggered a tsunami that would be destructive to coastal areas even far from the epicenter.

“An investigation is under way to determine if there is a tsunami threat to Hawaii,” the PTWC said.

Any waves generated are estimated to reach Hawaii around 7:17 p.m. HST.

Meanwhile, a Tsunami Advisory is in effect for Alaska’s Aleutian Islands meaning some waves are likely, but an advisory is a step down from a Tsunami Warning.

Waves are expected to reach Shemya at 4:46 p.m. Alaska Daylight time, and 5:46 p.m. AKDT in Adak.

“For other US and Canadian Pacific coasts in North America, the level of tsunami danger is being evaluated,” the PTWC said.

“Further information will be provided in supplementary messages.”