The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center downgraded a watch for the Hawaiian islands around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday to an advisory, saying that a destructive wave was not anticipated.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center downgraded a watch for the Hawaiian islands around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday to an advisory, saying that a destructive wave was not anticipated.
“Based on all available data, a major tsunami is not expected to strike the state of Hawaii,” the bulletin reads. “However, sea level changes and strong currents may occur along all coasts that could be a hazard to swimmers and boaters, as well as to persons near the shore at beaches and in harbors and marinas. The threat may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.”
The advisory came after a tsunami watch was called by the agency earlier Wednesday following a magnitude-8.3 earthquake at 12:54 p.m. along the coast of central Chile.
The estimated time of arrival of the initial wave is 3:11 a.m. Thursday.
“Further messages will be issued hourly or sooner as conditions warrant until the threat to Hawaii has passed,” the release states.