A powerful earthquake off Russia’s east coast triggered tsunami waves across the Pacific, prompting alerts in Hawaii and California.

Hawaii officials say the timing of the tsunami warning and evacuation orders following this week's massive earthquake off Russia helped make for severe traffic congestion in some areas

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center’s latest tsunami warning update for Hawaii says that first waves to hit Kauai measured at amplitude 3 to 4 feet in Hanalei, and 0.7 to 0.8 feet Nawiliwili. Tsunami amplitude is “measured relative to normal sea level,” according to the 8 p.m. update.