Update (9:20 EST): a 6-foot surge has been reported in Kahului Harbor
Waves are now pushing higher and higher up the beaches of Hawaii. No damage has been reported yet. A few minutes ago, Khon2 News from Hawaii reported:
The wave surges at Waikiki Beach on Oahu were noticed shortly after 3:20 a.m. Friday.
It was a substantial surge and completely covered the breakwall by Kapahulu Avenue in a matter of five minutes.
A second, larger surge was noticed at 3:38 a.m.
A few people were spotted on the beach watching the surges.
There were no reports of any injuries or damage.
City officials are urging residents not to go near coastal areas.
The governor quickly ordered evacuation of coastal areas after the Japan earthquake and following tsunami. He urged the residents to take this tremendous natural disaster very seriously. The tsunami could cause tremendous damage.
“[Waves are] going to be coming in with high currents, they can pick up boulders from the sea floor … they can pick up cars, they can pick up fuel tanks, those things become battering rams and so it just amplifies the destruction in a big tsunami,” said Chip McCreery, director for the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.
All harbors have been closed and vessels were ordered to leave the harbor.
“We’re preparing for the worst and we’re praying for the best,” said John Cummings III, spokesman for the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management.
Let’s hope for the best for the people of Hawaii and people all around the world being affected by the Japan earthquake and resulting tsunamis.
Keep up with breaking news in Hawaii and elsewhere here.
Streaming news for Hawaii is also available via Hawaii News Now. Other top news sources in Hawaii include: KHON2 and KITV.
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Photo via iluvcocacola