(KTLA) — An earthquake with an initial magnitude of 8.7 in Eastern Russia has led to a tsunami watch for coastal regions of the western United States.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake hit at 4:25 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, occurring at a depth of approximately 11 miles and located 80 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk Kamchatka.
The National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska issued a tsunami warning for sections of the Alaska Aleutian Islands and a watch for parts of the West Coast, including California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as Hawaii.
The advisory also includes a vast swath of Alaska’s coast line, including parts of the panhandle.
As stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Tsunami watches provide early notice to areas that might be impacted by a tsunami later,” emphasizing that watch regions might be elevated to a warning or advisory status, or canceled depending on new data.
A tsunami warning was also declared for Hawaii, with the National Weather Service’s Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicating that a tsunami created by the quake could potentially cause harm along the coastlines of the Hawaiian islands.
“Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property,” the warning stated. The first waves were expected around 7 p.m. local time.
In Honolulu, traffic congestion occurred in some areas, and officials prepared to open a mountain pass to serve as an evacuation route out of Waianae, a coastal area on Oahu’s island, according to state Rep. Darius Kila. Despite the summer break, several schools announced cancellations of sports and other activities.
Residents in coastal areas under a tsunami watch or warning are urged to stay alert for additional updates and be aware of estimated tsunami start times.
These watches and warnings will remain in effect until further notice.
This developing story will be updated when additional information is made available.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
