UPDATE: Tsunami Watch CANCELED for Hawaii Following 8+ Alaska Earthquake
Tsunami Watch Canceled
(Update: 9:57 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2021)
The tsunami watch that was in effect for Hawaiʻi has since been canceled as of 9:54 p.m. HST on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says after evaluation and based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi.
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Tsunami Watch Remains in Effect for Hawaiʻi
(Update: 9:34 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2021)
As of 9:34 p.m., a tsunami watch remains in effect for Hawaiʻi until further notice. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an update saying the watch remains in effect while an investigation continues to determine if there is a tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi. Other supporting information has not changed since the last report.
If tsunami waves impact Hawaiʻi, the estimated earliest arrival of the first tsunami wave is 12:53 a.m. HST on Thursday, July 29, 2021.
According to the latest forecast updates, tsunami waves are forecast to be less than 0.3 meters above the tide level for the coasts of Hawaiʻi and several other locations. Actual amplitudes at the coast may vary from forecast amplitudes due to uncertainties in the forecast and local features. In particular, maximum tsunami amplitudes on atolls and at locations with fringing or barrier reefs will likely be much smaller than the forecast indicates.
Individuals located in threatened coastal areas should stay alert for information and follow instructions from national and local authorities.
Potential Impacts
A tsunami is a series of waves. The time between wave crests can vary from five minutes to an hour. The hazard may persist for many hours or longer after the initial wave.
Impacts can vary significantly from one section of the coast to the next due to local bathymetry and the shape and elevation of the shoreline.
Impacts can also vary depending upon the state of the tide at the time of the maximum tsunami waves.
Further messages will be issued hourly or sooner as conditions warrant until the threat to Hawaiʻi has passed.
TSUNAMI WATCH FOR HAWAII:
Tsunami Watch Issued for Hawaiʻi, Evaluation Underway:
(Update: 8:33 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2021)
Hawaiʻi is under a tsunami watch as officials evaluate the effects of an 8.2 preliminary magnitude earthquake reported at 8:15 p.m. HST on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 in the Alaska Peninsula, 75 miles SE of Chignik, Alaska.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says that 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. An investigation is underway to determine if there is a tsunami threat to Hawaiʻi.
If tsunami waves impact Hawaiʻi, the estimated earliest arrival of the first tsunami wave is 12:53 a.m. HST on Thursday, July 29, 2021.
Further messages will be issued hourly or sooner as conditions warrant until the threat to Hawaiʻi has passed.
The USGS reports that the quake occurred at a depth of 46.7 km and was located:
- 90.9 km (56.5 mi) WNW of Perryville, Alaska
- 789 km (490.2 mi) NNE of Anchorage, Alaska
- 809.1 km (502.8 mi) NNE of Eagle River, Alaska
- 824.3 km (512.2 mi) NNE of Knik-Fairview, Alaska
- 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. For updates on road conditions and closures, please call 986-1200. Please do not call Maui police 911 unless you have an emergency.
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
- Maui County Emergency Management Tsunami 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
- Hawaii County Civil Defense Tsunami Evacuation Maps
Know if you work in a Tsunami Zone
In Hawaiʻi, 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 Hawaiʻi
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
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