Tsunami Waves Reach Hawaii; No Major Damage Yet Reported

hawaiiAccording to the NWS Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, a tsunami wave of 1.8 feet occurred at Hilo, Hawaii on Wednesday morning. Kahului, Maui reported a wave of 0.9 feet. No major damage has been reported at this time. 

The tsunami wave was caused when an 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern Chile near the port of Iquique on Tuesday evening, killing six and triggering a tsunami that pounded the shore with 2-meter (7-foot) waves.

Thousands of miles away in Hawaii, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cautioned residents late Tuesday that possible sea level changes and strong currents could pose a danger to swimmers and boaters.

"Based on all available data, a major tsunami is not expected to strike the state of Hawaii," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said in a statement before the wave reached. "However, sea level changes and strong currents may occur along all coasts that could be a hazard to swimmers and boaters as well as to persons near the shore at beaches and in harbors and marinas."

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