Tsunami warning for Hawaii, canceled in Alaska

October 28, 2012 | Modified: October 28, 2012 at 5:16 am
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Mike Nakamoto of Honolulu prepare's his client's boat moored at the Ala Wai Harbor to take it to deep water after learning of a tsunami warning Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, in Honolulu. A tsunami warning has been issued for Hawaii after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked an island off the west coast of Canada. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center originally said there was no threat to the islands, but a warning was issued later Saturday and remains in effect until 7 p.m. Sunday. A small craft advisory is in effect until Sunday morning.(AP Photo/Eugene Tanner)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Residents and tourists along Hawaii's coasts are evacuating to higher ground in response to a tsunami warning.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued the warning for all Hawaiian islands Saturday night, hours after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake rocked an island off Canada's west coast. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie proclaimed an emergency, mobilizing extra safety measures.

Officials originally said there was no threat to Hawaii but changed that after taking new sea level readings.

Warning sirens blared while residents drove away from coasts and tourists were evacuated from lower floors of beachside hotels. Incoming bus routes were shut off into Waikiki and police shut down a Halloween block party in Honolulu.

The center says the first tsunami wave could hit the islands by about 10:30 p.m. local time (1:30 a.m. PDT Sunday).