Tsunami Warning

Tsunami Warning was Originally Posted on March 11, 2011 by lavarock

After the earthquake in Japan, the Pacific islands are under a tsunami warning. My flight in the morning from the Big Island to Oahu will probably be delayed.

At this moment, the Tsunami Center has not told us how tall the tide may get. In the meantime, we listen to the news and the sirens.

Here in Hawaii, we have a very good warning system and evacuation plans. We KNOW tsunamis and have had major damage in the past.

I will be on my cell phone internet connection when traveling so I can follow the news.

I live well above the tsunami zone, so I have no worries. However, I am booked on a 7am flight and the airport *may* be closed.

At this time (11pm) the forecast is a 6 foot wave. However, forecasting this is difficult.

Lots of people think this may be a drill and are still partying in the streets on Oahu. HPD is using speakers to tell people they must evacuate. Waikiki is feet above sea level. Generally, people on floors 3 and higher can stay in their hotel, but others need to evacuate to higher ground.

Hilo airport has been closed and as I remember, the airport is used as an evacuation center for the local school and others living nearby.

Sirens are currently sounding every hour on the hour, but will probably increase the frequency as the event nears.