Massive 8.9 earthquake, tsunami hit Japan

A huge 8.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan triggered a 23-foot-tall tsunami that has devastated parts of the country. Now, Hawaii, Alaska and much of the West Coast are expected to be hit by the powerful waves.

A horrific 8.9 magnitute earthquake about 80 miles off the coast of Japan triggered a devastating tsunami that crashed into the island nation at about 2:20 am local time today. The deadly wave, which measured 23-feet-tall, has killed at least 60 people, and injured countless more. Blackouts caused by the quake spread as far as Russia and South America. Parts of the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii and much of the West Coast — from Washington state to the California-Mexico border — are now in danger of a possible tsunami hit.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a tsunami warning/advisory for Hawaii, the West Coast and Alaska. Walls of water as high as 6-feet could begin hitting Hawaii as early as 3am local time (5am PST). By about 7am PST, the tsunami could begin to hit parts of Oregon, followed by the Washington and California coasts. NOAA officials say the waves to hit the West Coast should be relatively small, and are expected to cause no major damage.