The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for Hawaii at 2:43 p.m. Tuesday.

The warning follows an 8.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred off the eastern coast of Russia at 1:25 p.m.Tuesday.

The estimated time of arrival of the first tsunami wave in Hawaii is 7:17 p.m. Tuesday.

A tsunami is a series of waves and each wave crest can last 5 to 15 minutes or more with extensive flooding in coastal areas.

The danger can continue for hours after the initial wave as more waves arrive, and the first wave may not be the largest. The NWS says tsunamis can efficiently wrap around islands and all shores are at risk no matter which direction they face.

A tsunami can also temporarily expose the sea floor. However, the area will quickly flood again. Extremely strong and unusual nearshore currents can also accompany a tsunami.

Debris picked up by a tsunami can amplify its destructive power.

Further updates are expected.