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Breaking News: Hawaiian Islands Brace for Tsunami

By Judyth Piazza  

As a result of the Chilean earthquake, Tsunami warnings extend out through the majority of the pacific basin, waves are expected to affect the majority of the Hawaiian Islands.

Hilo Bay can expect waves in excess of 15 feet. If you are located in low lying areas, you need to move to higher ground as soon as possible.

To find out more information tune into your local news. Hawaiian officials are requesting that residents only use telephones in the event of an extreme emergency.

PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER INFORMATION

ORIGIN TIME - 0634Z 27 FEB 2010
COORDINATES - 36.1 SOUTH 72.6 WEST
DEPTH - 55 KM
LOCATION - NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL CHILE
MAGNITUDE - 8.8

"Sea level readings confirm that a Tsunami has been generated which could cause widespread damage. Authorities should take appropriate action in response to this threat. This center will continue to monitor sea level data to determine the extent and severity of the threat.

A tsunami is a series of waves and the first wave may not be the largest. Tsunami wave heights cannot be predicted and can vary significantly along a coast due to local effects. The time from one tsunami wave to the next can be five minutes to an hour, and the threat can continue for many hours as multiple waves arrive.

For all areas - When no major waves are observed for two hours after the estimated time of arrival or damaging waves have not occurred for at least two hours then local authorities can assume the threat is passed. Danger to boats and coastal structures can continue for several hours due to rapid currents. As local conditions can cause a wide variation in tsunami wave action the all clear determination must be made by local authorities.

Estimated initial tsunami wave arrival times at forecast points within the warning and watch areas are given below. Actual arrival times may differ and the initial wave may not be the largest. A Tsunami is a series of waves and the time between successive waves can be five minutes to one hour."

SOURCE: Pacific Tsunami Warning Center