Tsunami alerts issued for Hawaii and Alaska after massive earthquake off Russia

Tsunami alerts has been issued for Hawaii and Alaska following a magnitude 8.0 earthquake off near Russia.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that the earthquake hit just before 1:30pm Hawaii Standard Time near the east coast of Kamchatka.

Officials are watching for signs that a tsunami may be developing. While Hawaii was put on a tsunami watch, parts of Alaska have been put on a tsunami advisory.

A tsunami watch is issued when there is a potential for a tsunami to develop. That alert can be upgraded to an advisory if monitors have reason to believe that the waves generated by a potential tsunami are likely to be dangerous.

A tsunami warning is issued when widespread water inundation or significant coastal flooding is expected from a confirmed tsunami.

According to the center, if waves did hit Hawaii, the earliest would arrive around 7:17pm HST.