Hawaii Governor Josh Green Provides Tsunami Warning Update

Tsunami Warning and Wave Data

• 🌊 A significant earthquake off the coast of Russia triggered a tsunami warning for Hawaii.
• 💡 Initial data from Midway indicated a wave with a total amplitude of six feet (three feet from trough to peak).
• 🎯 Waves were also being tracked at Johnson Atoll, Wake Island, the Aleutians, and French Frigate Shoals, with Guam expected to see waves later.
• ⚠️ Officials stressed the need for continued vigilance and that the all-clear would only be given when total safety is assured.

Evacuation and Emergency Response

• 🏠 Coordination is underway to evacuate individuals without housing from at-risk areas across all islands.
• 🚨 The Hawaii National Guard has activated Blackhawks and high-water vehicles for rescue operations.
• 🚁 Aircraft with crews are on alert for medevac, search and rescue, and hoist operations.
• 🗺️ Counties are working on sheltering plans and opening tsunami assembly areas; the state is prepared to offer additional support.

Visitor Industry and Infrastructure

• 🏨 Properties along the coastline are instructed to evacuate vertically (four floors and above).
• ✈️ Visitors needing accommodation due to airport closures are advised to contact their hotels.
• 🌉 Vulnerable infrastructure includes harbors and airports, many of which are at sea level and susceptible to damage.
• ⚡ Discussions are ongoing with Hawaiian Electric regarding potential power shutoffs if conditions worsen.

Understanding Tsunami Waves

• 🌊 A tsunami is a longitudinal wave with great force, not just a surface wave, capable of moving inland with significant power.
• ⚠️ Evacuation to at least 4,000 feet inland is recommended, as inundation zones can extend far from the shoreline.
• 💥 Past tsunamis, like the 1946 event (8.6 magnitude) and the 1960 event (9.5 magnitude, 35-foot wave), caused catastrophic damage and loss of life.
• ⚠️ The current wave's impact is uncertain; it could be larger or smaller than initially estimated, and it typically arrives in cycles of about 20 minutes.

Criteria for Lowering Warning Levels

• 🔬 The progression of the wave and data from various monitoring points (e.g., Wake Island, French Frigate Shoals) are crucial for assessing the situation.
• ⏳ It may take several hours after the initial waves hit for amplification to be observed and for the energy to dissipate.
• 📊 The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center is collecting data from buoys and deep ocean sensors to advise officials.
• 📢 Updates will be provided through various media channels as soon as information is available to help people return to normal life.