David Y. Ige

HONOLULU — The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has issued a Tsunami Advisory for the State of Hawaii effective at 3:24 p.m. based on an 8.3 moment magnitude earthquake off the coast of Central Chile. A Tsunami Advisory is issued when the threat of a tsunami may produce strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or near the water.

Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), formerly State Civil Defense, activated its Emergency Operations Center as of 2:00 p.m. Close coordination with local emergency management personnel, state departments and federal partners is ongoing.

“We ask the public to be mindful of their designated tsunami evacuation sites and to stay tuned to radio and TV broadcasts for the latest information and instructions from county officials,” said Vern Miyagi, Administrator of Emergency Management.

The estimated time of wave arrival and anticipated effects is 3:06 a.m. HST on Thursday, September 17, 2015. Waves reaching 0.3 to one meter (one to three feet) are possible for Hawaii coastlines.

Sea level changes and strong currents may occur along all coasts and may be a hazard to swimmers and boaters. County governments will release instructions to beachgoers, boaters and other ocean users. Streams and canals that feed into the ocean may also be affected by unusual currents.

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