Tsunami Waves Hit West Coast; Alerts Reduced in Hawaii & California

Tsunami Waves Reach Hawaii and California Following Major Earthquake

Tsunami waves hit the coast of northern California on Wednesday after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia's Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. Warning levels were downgraded in Hawaii, Japan, and most of California, Washington, and Oregon.

In California, waves as high as 3.6 feet were detected in Crescent City near the Oregon border, the only area still under a tsunami warning on the West Coast. The National Weather Service urged caution due to dangerous currents along beaches and harbors.

In Hawaii, the tsunami warning was downgraded to an advisory, with no reports of significant damage. Residents were allowed to return home based on local advisories. Chile and Peru also issued alerts for their Pacific coastlines.

Japan downgraded its warnings but remains on alert for tsunami waves. Waves over 4 feet were recorded in Kuji, with the threat expected to persist. In Hawaii, initial waves ranged from 0.4 to 4 feet, with warnings of continued danger.

No casualties were reported in Russia, but a volcano erupted following the earthquake. Evacuations were carried out in the Kuril Islands due to the tsunami threat. Oprah Winfrey opened her private road in Maui for evacuees.

President Trump issued a message urging safety in light of the earthquake and tsunami warnings. Oprah Winfrey's private jet departed Hawaii before the tsunami hit, landing in Arizona.