What time is the tsunami expected to hit Hawaii?

Tsunami waves have now reached Hawaii, the U.S.’s National Weather Service (NWS) says, although the state’s governor has reassured Hawaiians that there have so far been no waves “of consequence”.

Russia quake leads to Tsunami alerts

Hawaii is one of a number of U.S. locations under tsunami warnings and advisories triggered by a powerful, 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

Tsunami waves had been due to arrive in Hawaii at around 7:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday (1:15 a.m. ET on Wednesday).

“Tsunami waves are now impacting the state of Hawaii,” the NWS said in its most recent update, shared at 9:27 p.m. local time. The agency added: “Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property.”

The NWS went on: “A tsunami is a series of long ocean waves. Each individual wave crest can last 5 to 15 minutes or more and extensively flood coastal areas.

“The danger may persist for many hours as waves activity continues.”

“So far, at the moment, so good”

In a news conference shortly after 8:00 p.m. local time, Hawaii governor Josh Green said: “So far we have not seen a wave of consequence, which is a great relief to us.

“It’s kind of a blessing to not be reporting any damage.”

Green added: “We expect to be about two or three hours at least, at least, until we can call all clear. So far, though, at the moment, so good.”

Find higher ground and keep off roadways, Hawaiians told

The governor instructed Hawaiians to stay off the roads - “just lay low tonight” - and to avoid calling 911 unless they have an emergency.

Green also urged residents to make sure they are “at least 100 feet above sea level or two miles inland, just in case”.

Speaking to the ABC affiliate KITV, the Honolulu mayor, Rick Blangiardi, echoed Green’s call for Hawaiians to seek higher ground if necessary.

“We need people to stay calm but also to act accordingly,” Blangiardi said. “If you can get to higher ground if you’re in a low-lying area, please do that.”

Green also confirmed that all flights in and out of Maui airport have been cancelled for the time being.

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