Tsunami warnings for two US states after massive 8.0 earthquake strikes off coast of Russia

A massive earthquake has struck off the coast of Russia, sparking tsunami warnings for two states 

Preliminary data from the US Geological Survey shows the quake reached a magnitude of 8.0 and struck about 84 miles east-southeast of Kamchatska at around 7.24pm EST.

A tsunami advisory is now in effect for parts of Alaska, while a tsunami watch has been issued for the entire state of Hawaii.

Experts are also working to determine what the threat may be for the California and Washington coast, according to the National Weather Service. 

Authorities at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center have warned that ‘a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive’ to coastal areas.

The earliest such a tsunami could arrive in Hawaii would be 7.17pm, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.  

‘Prepare to evacuate vertically if warnings are issued,’ meteorologist Matthew Capucci urged on social media.    

‘Move away from beaches, harbors, marinas, bays and inlets. If you’re in a boat and cannot reach shore, sail away from the coast into deeper waters where the tsunami’s energy will be dispersed. Head to a place with an ocean depth of at least 180 feet.’

Preliminary data from the US Geological Survey shows the quake reached a magnitude of 8.0 and struck about 84 miles east-southeast of Kamchatska at around 7.24pm EST

The quake comes just over one week after several other tremors struck the area, including one that measured a 7.4 magnitude. 

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.