According to recent reports, the tsunami alert extends to Austrailia, but with the earliest expected arrival of waves early Sunday morning (28 Feb 2010 AUS time).

An alert is the lowest level of warning, and generally doesn't trigger evacuation orders or recommendations, but anyone in the Pacific basin should pay attention to the current local news.

Hawaii warnings now are reminding people that the first wave generally is not the largest, and usually is followed by receding water that may expose beach areas not normally visible. People may think it's over and attempt to explore the novelty. Second and succeeding waves frequently are much larger, and may travel at up to about 600 mph so there will be no time to get to higher ground when the big 'uns come in.

West coast US areas also are under alerts, with mixed reports of how large any tsunami may be there.

John