By Oskar Garcia and Mark Thiessen, Associated Press
HONOLULU (AP) -- Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie says a tsunami warning that spurred coastal evacuations statewide is being downgraded to a tsunami advisory, ending the threat of serious damage.
Abercrombie said early Sunday that the Aloha State was lucky to avoid more severe surges after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Canada.
Abercrombie says beaches and harbors are still closed statewide.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service canceled tsunami advisories for Canada and Oregon, leaving northern California as the only spot in North America still under a tsunami advisory.
Previous story
HONOLULU (AP) -- A geologist tracking a tsunami in Hawaii says the first waves hitting shore are smaller than expected.
Gerard Fryer of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said Saturday night the largest wave was measured at 5 feet in Maui in the first 45 minutes.
Fryer says it's starting to look like a statewide evacuation from coastal areas was unnecessary. But it could be several hours before the warning is canceled.
The National Weather Service says there are reports of water quickly receding in bays, including Hilo Bay on the Big Island.
Tsunami waves are stronger and different from normal beach waves. Fryer says 3-foot tsunami waves would be strong enough to flood two blocks in from shore.
The warning comes after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Canada.