A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off Russia's Pacific coast, triggering tsunami warnings and evacuations of coastal areas in Hawaii and alerts along the United States' West Coast.

Officials are warning people to stay away from beaches and waterways in a small California city near the border with Oregon that has recorded dozens of tsunamis, including one that turned deadly more than 60 years ago.

An 8.8 magnitude earthquake has sent tsunami waves across the Pacific. Waves are expected to hit Southern California around 1 a.m. Wednesday.