Tsunami waves have begun surging ashore on Hawaii's Big Island, more than 15 hours after being triggered by an 8.8-magnitude
earthquake off the coast of Chile.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed the tsunami reached Hawaii just after 11:30 a.m. local time, 4:30 p.m. ET.
Initial reports indicate the waves have been smaller than expected, but officials are warning residents to remain on high alert. The tsunami is a series of waves that will continue to march toward Hawaii's shores.
"This could be bigger but we don't know yet," said Nathan Becker of the PTWC, noting the first wave measured 1 meter, or roughly 3 feet. Later waves could be larger, he said.
"Clearly, a tsunami is taking place now," Becker said.
The waves will now continue moving north towards the other
Hawaiian Islands and onward into the Pacific.
"The time from one tsunami wave to the next can be five minutes to an hour," a
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) bulletin reads. "The threat can continue for many hours as multiple waves arrive."
Residents are advised to remain on high ground until local authorities give the "all clear," which could come no sooner than two hours after the estimated time of the tsunami's arrival.