Video shows major gridlock in Hawaii after tsunami warnings: 'Cars and cars waiting'
Warnings, advisories and watches were issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center in the wake of the quake that struck around 7:24 p.m. ET, about 78 miles east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Shortly after the initial tsunami warning, sirens went off at around 3 p.m. local time in Hawaii. The streets of Honolulu, including the tourist hub Waikiki, were congested as people quickly tried to move to higher ground and away from coastal evacuation zones. Some reported long lines at gas stations, as sirens continued to go off on the hour to the estimated first wave.
Live updates: Evacuation orders lifted in Hawaii hours after tsunami waves reach state's shores
'Cars and cars waiting'
Video footage from Honolulu shows a gridlock of cars on the streets of Honolulu as residents try to head toward higher ground.
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management had called for the evacuation of coastal areas. "A tsunami has been generated that could cause damage along coastlines of all islands in the state of Hawaii," the agency said in a bulletin. "Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property."
Tsunami waves reached Hawaii after 7 p.m. local time, but their small size in initial observations heartened officials who had been bracing for major damage in the state. By 10:45 p.m., authorities announced that the Tsunami Warning System had downgraded risk to the state from a tsunami warning to an advisory. There were no reports of major damage.
What tourists should know: Tsunami warning downgraded in Hawaii, but dangers remain
Evacuation order lifted
"I spoke to Governor of Hawaii @GovHawaii and the evacuation order has been for lifted for coastal inundation zones," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on social media. "Please be careful be careful (sic) when returning and watch out for damage. We will continue to monitor in Hawaii, Alaska, and California."
State emergency management officials said widespread flooding was not expected and that residents of evacuated areas could return home. But they urged Hawaiians to "remain cautious in or near the water. ... Stay away from beaches, shorelines, and out of the ocean."
Tsunamis can cause a long series of waves, extensively flood coastal areas and present dangers that continue for many hours.
Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver, Thao Nguyen, Will Carless, Kathleen Wong, Joel Shannon, John Bacon, Jeanine Santucci / USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
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