A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia on Tuesday, sparking tsunami warnings -- and evacuations -- in Hawaii and alerts for other areas of the U.S. West Coast. In a message posted on social media, President Donald Trump urged people to "STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE" and to monitor updates on the tsunami.gov online dashboard.

Thousands in Hawaii are evacuating coastal areas after an 8.7 magnitude earthquake near eastern Russia triggered a statewide tsunami warning. Social media shows heavy traffic in Oahu and Honolulu as people move inland.

Gov. Josh Green urged people in coastal areas to seek higher ground, with waves expected to reach the state within hours. “Do not wait,” he said.