The earthquake struck around 1:25 p.m. Hawaiian Time

A tsunami watch has been declared for the entire west coast of the United States following an 8.7 magnitude earthquake that hit Russia's western coast on Tuesday-reports say West Coast states could experience harsh waves early Wednesday

The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center announced that the watch is in effect for the entire West Coast, including Washington and Oregon. Residents were told that the tsunami could reach the area as early as 1:15 a.m.

A tsunami watch, which is the lowest level of the warning system's three-tiered alert system, indicates that the threat level is not yet determined but residents in the affected areas should stay alert and be ready to act.

A more serious tsunami warning was issued for the western part of Alaska's Aleutian Islands, where locals are being instructed to evacuate designated tsunami hazard zones immediately.

A tsunami watch is the lowest level of the warning systems three-tiered alert system, meaning the threat level is not yet known but residents in the highlighted areas should stay tuned and prepare to take action.

According to the National Tsunami Warning Center, if a tsunami does occur, it would reach Fort Bragg in Mendocino County at 11:50 p.m, reports the Mirror US. Tuesday, Crescent City in Del Norte County at 11:55 p. m., with potential waves hitting Monterey early Wednesday morning at 12:15 a. m., San Francisco at 12:40 a. m. Wednesday, the Los Angeles harbor at 1:05 a. m., Newport Beach at 1:10 a. m., and Oceanside and La Jolla at 1:15 a. m.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 46 miles, and the size of the waves that could potentially hit the west coast is currently unknown.

Tsunami stormy sea waves on sand beach, Thunderstorm background

A tsunami warning has also been extended to Hawaii, with the National Weather Service's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stating that a tsunami from the quake has been generated and could cause damage along the coastlines of all the Hawaiian islands.

The warning was clear: "Urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property," with the initial tidal surges anticipated around 7 p. m. local time.

On November 4, 1952, Kamchatka experienced a massive earthquake measuring 9.0

Back in July, a series of five potent earthquakes rocked the sea near Kamchatka, with the strongest one registering at a magnitude of 7.4. This significant tremor occurred 20 kilometers deep and was located 144 kilometers (89 miles) east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, home to some 180,000 residents.

On November 4, 1952, Kamchatka experienced a massive earthquake measuring 9.0 in magnitude, which, while causing damage, miraculously resulted in no reported fatalities, even though it triggered towering 9.1-meter (30-foot) waves all the way to Hawaii.