Tsunami waves of extreme wealth crashing on to the shores of the United States. This comes on the heels of the record-setting 8.8 magnitude earthquake that hit off Russia’s far eastern coast. The strong quake prompted tsunami warnings for most of the Pacific Rim countries. This includes the U.S. Pacific coasts of Alaska, Hawaii, and Northern California which are currently on a very high alert status.
In the backdrop of this drama, the state of Hawaii was undergoing some incredible fluctuations in sea level. From these initial reports, we noticed that some areas on the coast started to pull back, warning of the approaching tsunami walls. In response, local officials issued urgent advisories for residents to seek higher ground before 1 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET).
The tsunami had already begun to show its impact on the West Coast, including in Hawaii, where initial waves were reported above five feet. According to local emergency management officials, tsunami waves are still impacting the islands. Shelters on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui are being activated to help accommodate those displaced by the spike.
“Tsunami waves are currently impacting Hawaii” – Oahu Emergency Management
Besides Hawaii, an unusually broad tsunami advisory remains in effect for coastal areas of Southern California. Alert from the National Weather Service to residents near Port San Luis. They might have experienced damage from waves up to 3.7 feet over usual.
The tsunami threat includes dangerous currents and sudden changes in water levels. Get ready for several waves to affect the area for a number of hours.
As Hawaii Governor Josh Green explained in response to Hawaii’s recent tragedy, we must proceed carefully.
“We don’t want anyone to let their guard down. We want to go another couple of hours. As the waves cycle smaller and smaller, that’s how we’ll know that we’re ending this concern” – Hawaii Gov. Josh Green
Here’s what we know, and what emergency responders should be watching as this situation continues to develop. The last significant tsunami threat faced by Hawaii occurred after the magnitude 9.1 earthquake off Japan on March 11, 2011.
Tsunami waves are already pounding Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. At the same time, Midway Atoll has experienced a water increase of more than three feet. 3.1 feet to be exact.
According to Russian reports, the earthquake damaged a kindergarten building which completely collapsed. Thankfully, no harm has come from this occurrence yet.
During an emergency briefing, Governor Green provided updates on the situation and addressed public concerns about safety measures being taken.
“So far we have not seen a wave of consequence, which is a great relief to us” – Hawaii Gov. Josh Green
Residents in impacted states have written about their firsthand experience fleeing from the emergency siren. One resident, Jeffrey Booker, remembered getting tsunami alerts while enjoying visits from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
“We were up visiting (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park) and saw the tsunami warning go off on our phones” – Jeffrey Booker
While officials work to get a better read on the ongoing situation and advice to residents, they’re understandably underscoring the need for people to follow warnings.
Helen Janiszewski, a FEMA emergency management official, pointed out the difference between tsunami waves and regular ocean waves.
“A tsunami wave is extremely different than your typical ocean wave … it’s very much just like a torrent of floodwater coming at you at the coastline” – Helen Janiszewski
Residents are encouraged to stay alert as emergency officials track the changing conditions on U.S. coastlines. Tsunami waves do not break in a rush. They come in distinct, persistent cycles. Communities need to prepare for longer-term impacts in the few hours after the initial wave hits.
Regional expert Danny Schmiegel noted that several geographic factors might play a role in shaping wave action on specific coastlines.
“There’s like an underwater valley that leads up to that area” – Danny Schmiegel
