A Tsunami Watch has been issued for the State of Hawai’i effective  at 8:25pm.  The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an update at 8:30am extending the Tsunami Watch.  An earthquake has occurred with the following preliminary parameters:

Magnitude: 8.2

Origin time: 8:16pm HST

Coordinates 55.5 North 157.9 West in the Alaska Penisula

Based on all available data, a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive to coastal areas. An investigation is underway to determine if there is a tsunam threat to Hawaii.  If tsunami waves impact Hawaii, the estimated earliest arrival of the first Tsunami wave is 12:53am HST.  Further messages will be issued hourly or soonar as conditions warrant until the threat to Hawai’i has passed.