Tsunami Warning Latest: Evacuation Zone; Maps; Shelters + More
Get the latest tsunami warning zone map, evacuation areas, preparation tips and more.
A tsunami warning was issued for Hawaiʻi Tuesday afternoon following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia.
The tsunami impact time was estimated to be 7:10 p.m. on Kauaʻi, said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi during a Tuesday evening news conference. But after 10 p.m., National Weather Service officials said the worst of the threat appeared to have passed.
The warning was downgraded to an advisory just before 11 p.m. and was scheduled to last until noon Wednesday.
National Weather Service officials previously said in a warning about the tsunami that people should take “urgent action … to protect lives and property.” The tsunami could cause damage along coastlines of each of Hawaiʻi’s islands.
Related: Quiet Beaches, Traffic, Canceled Flights: How Hawaiʻi Prepared For Tsunami
See a map of the warning zone area below:
Tsunami Warning Map And Evacuation Areas
Officials urged people in the red areas of this tsunami warning map to seek higher ground. Evacuees should await further instruction from local emergency officials before returning home.
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Emergency Shelters
Oʻahu
Full-service shelters were not open on Oʻahu, but Honolulu residents seeking higher ground may park at the following locations:
- Waialua High and Intermediate
- Kahuku District Park
- Kāneʻohe District Park
- Kailua District Park
- Waimānalo District Park
- Koko Head District Park
- Hahaʻione Valley Neighborhood Park
- Niu Valley Middle
- Wilson Community Park
- McCully District Park
- Makiki District Park
- Kalākaua District Park
- Waipahu District Park
- ʻEwa Mahiko District Park
- Nānākuli High and Intermediate
- George Fred Wright Wahiawā District Park
- Mākaha Community Park
Hawaiʻi County
Emergency shelters are available in the following places, according to the county:
- Hisaoka Gym
- Honokaʻa Gym
- Kaʻū District Gym
- Keaʻau Armory
- Kealakehe High School Gym
- Nāʻālehu Community Center
- Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility
- Panaʻewa Park
- Puʻuʻeo Community Center Puʻuʻeo
- Waimea Community Center
- Yano Hall
Maui County
- Molokaʻi High School
- Kīhei Community Center
- Velma McWayne Santos Center
- Lahainaluna High School
- Hāna High School
- Hannibal Tavares Pukalani Community Center
Kauaʻi County
Parking and restrooms are available at the following sites, according to the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency. People with pets should bring a kennel, food and water.
- Kapa’a High School
- Kapa’a Middle School
- ‘Ele’ele Elementary School
- Kōloa Library
- Kaua’i Community College
- Kalāheo Neighborhood Center
- Kīlauea Elementary School
Tsunami Preparation Tips
The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency advises the following:
- Stay at least 100 feet away from waterways and marinas connected to the ocean in the event of surges or flooding.
- If you are in a structural steel or reingorced concrete building 10 stories or higher, head to the fourth floor.
- If you feel shaking, move inland immediately.
- Consider moving even farther inland than the tsunami evacuation zone boundaries. These are guidelines for the minimum safe distance.
What Is A Tsunami?
Tsunamis are infrequent and typically small, according to the National Weather Service.
Tsunamis are a series of ocean waves with crests lasting 5 to 15 minutes or longer.
They can have significant impacts on coastal communities, especially those in the Pacific, according to weather officials. The danger can last for long after the initial wave.
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.
Experts agree it’s only a matter of time until Oʻahu gets hit by a tsunami or hurricane. In this series, we examined the island’s vulnerabilities and what steps are being taken to make it more resilient.
>> Read our reporting on tsunami dangers to Hawaiʻi
