The tsunami has begun! PHOTO/VIDEO

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also made an urgent announcement that tsunami waves are now affecting the state of Hawaii and that immediate measures must be taken to protect lives and property.

A tsunami warning, the highest level of alert, has been issued for the state of Hawaii, parts of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, and the northern coast of California.

• Terrifying footage of earthquakes and tsunamis; Millions at risk VIDEO

The rest of the US West Coast, including Oregon and Washington, is under a lower alert level.

The western states of the USA are currently preparing for a possible impact, and the arrival of the waves is expected in the next hours.

According to the Tsunami Warning Center estimates, waves will arrive according to the following schedule (Pacific time):

• Oregon and Washington: the wave is expected to arrive around 11:35 p.m
• California: the first waves arrive around 11:50 p.m
• San Francisco: around 12:40 AM
• Port of Los Angeles: around 01:00 hours

Authorities are urging citizens in coastal areas to follow official announcements and adhere to all safety recommendations.

Let us remind you that a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 on the Richter scale hit Russia last night, the epicenter was in Kamchatka, and a tsunami warning was issued in several countries, including the USA.

After the first, a series of strong earthquakes followed, the strongest measuring 7 degrees on the Richter scale.