Tsunami Warning Issued for Hawaii

New Method Predicts Monster Waves

A tsunami warning has been issued for Hawaii by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The warning means a tsunami is imminent and residents should seek high ground. The tsunami warning was issued early Saturday.

"A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii," according to a bulletin from NOAA, the parent organization of the National Weather Service. The waves would be expected to reach Hawaii starting at 11:19 a.m. local time.

The tsunami was caused by an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck offshore, 200 miles (325 km) southwest of Santiago, Chile.

A tsunami watch was issued for the coast of California and parts of Alaska. NOAA officials said the whole Pacific Basin is at risk.

Live Science Staff
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