Tsunami waves smaller than expected in Hawaii

HONOLULU - The Associated Press

A handout image released by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on 28 October 2012 showing a shake map of the earthquake off the coast of western Canada. Reports state that a magnitude-7.7 earthquake hit the Queen Charlotte Islands at 11:14pm local time on 27 October 2012, the United States Geological Survey said. There were no immediate reports of damage from the quake. A tsunami warning has been issued. EPA photo

A senior geologist tracking a tsunami expected to hit Hawaii says the first waves hitting shore are smaller than expected.
 
But Gerard Fryer of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said Saturday night that the first waves are usually not the biggest for tsunamis in Hawaii. He says it could be as long as seven hours before the warning is canceled if waves get bigger.
 
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 and destroy property at ground level.
 
The warning comes after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Canada.