Hawaii on tsunami watch after massive earthquake off Russia

A tsunami watch has been issued for Hawaii after a large earthquake occurred at about 4:50 p.m. off the eastern coast of Russia’s Kuril Islands, Hawaii County Civil Defense has confirmed.

According the the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center: “Based on all available data a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter. An investigation is underway to determine if there is a tsunami threat to Hawaii.”

The estimated earliest arrival of the first tsunami waves, should they hit Hawaii, is 10:42 p.m.

Further messages by the center will be issued hourly.