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No Tsunami Threat for Hawai‘i Following New Zealand Earthquake

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.

The Tsunami Watch is canceled for the state of Hawai‘i as of 12:20 p.m. Hawai‘i time, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. 

The Tsunami Watch was canceled as all available data indicated no tsunami threat to the Islands.

Hawai‘i was under a Tsunami Watch following an 8.1 magnitude earthquake off New Zealand on Thursday morning.

A tsunami watch is issued when there is not yet enough information to determine the extent of any potential hazard. The public is asked to stay tuned for more information and be prepared to act.

Sign up for emergency wireless alerts:

UPDATE 11:20 a.m.

HONOLULU - The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunamis may strike Hawaii later Thursday after a huge earthquake occurred in a remote area between New Zealand and Tonga.

The magnitude 8 quake struck the Kermadec Islands region at 9:28 a.m. Hawaii time

The agency said it's investigating whether the event poses a threat to Hawaii. If tsunamis are generated, the first waves would reach the Hawaiian Island chain at 4:35 p.m. Hawaii time.

The agency issued a tsunami warning for American Samoa but then downgraded it to an advisory.

A warning means tsunamis with the potential to generate widespread inundation are expected or occurring.

-- Associated Press

UPDATE 11:13 a.m.

The state of Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) has issued the following statement:

"Right now, HI-EMA is working with partners at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the National Weather Service to determine the threat of a possible tsunami hitting Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i is currently under a Tsunami Watch which means a tsunami may impact Hawai‘i, but the threat and potential impacts are still being evaluated.

"HI-EMA advises all Hawai‘i residents to remain informed from official sources, like their county emergency management agencies. Also, to use the tsunami tools available online to see if you are in an evacuation red zone."

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