Hawaii under tsunami advisory after 8.3-magnitude Chile quake

UPDATE: The tsunami watch in Hawaii has been changed to an advisory.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports first waves could hit around 3:11am Hawaiian time (9:11am ET) starting on the Big Island of Hawaii. This is not expected to be a major threat, but could cause problems in coastal areas.

HONOLULU (AP) – Hawaii is under a tsunami watch after an 8.3-magtidue earthquake off the coast of northern Chile.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued the watch, saying a tsunami may have been generated by Wednesday’s earthquake.

If there is a tsunami, the center estimates that the first wave would arrive about 3 a.m. Thursday.

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency says officials are standing by, awaiting updates from the warning center.

The powerful earthquake shook Chile’s capital, causing buildings to sway and people to take refuge in the streets. There were no immediate reports on any injuries or damage.