Tsunami warnings, advisories and watchesblanketed Alaska, Hawaii and the west coast of the United States on the evening of June 29, following amagnitude 8.8 earthquakethat struck off of the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. The streets of Honolulu, Hawaii, including the tourist hub Waikiki, were congested as people quickly tried to move to higher ground and away from coastal evacuation zones. The islands are under a statewide tsunami warning as of Tuesday night. Most areas along the U.S. Pacific Coast can expect a tsunami of less than one foot, the National Weather Service said just after 10:30 E.T., but even a tsunami of that size can generate deadly currents, the weather service warned. Tsunami warningsare in effect for the coastal areas of California,from Cape Mendocino to the Oregon/California border, and the coastal areas of Alaska from Samalga Pass to Attu at the western end of the Aleutian Islands, the weather service said. The highest peak wave is forecast for Crescent City, California, where the height could peak at between 2.9 feet and 5.4 feet, with tsunami waves lasting for 36 hours. In Port San Luis, California, the waves could peak at 2 to 3.8 feet and last for 24 hours, the weather service warned. If you are in an area that is under a tsunami warning or advisory, here's what officials say you should do. Ready.gov, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, advises that those who are on land andare under a tsunami warning should: Get to high ground as far inland as possible Be alert to signs of a tsunami, such as a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters. Listen to emergency information and alerts and follow the instructions from local emergency managers. Leave as soon as any natural signs of a tsunami appear or an official tsunami warning is made. The agency advises those who are on a boat in an area covered by a tsunami warning should go out to sea. TheHawaii Emergency Management Agencyechoed the urgency from DHS, writing on X, "URGENT ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT LIVES AND PROPERTY." On its website, the agency advises residents toremain at least 100 feet awayfrom inland waterways and marinas connected to the ocean. It adds that people in a structural steel or reinforced concrete building that is taller than 10 stories should head to the fourth floor or higher. Emergency shelters have been openedin Hawaii, Maui and Kauai counties, according to the Honolulu Civil Beat. The NWS advises that thoseunder a tsunami advisoryshould stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways. It added that people in covered areas should follow instructions from local officials and stay updated on tsunami conditions. Officials in San Diego County, which is under a tsunami advisory as of Tuesday night, said the county would issue an alert if necessary. "As of 8:08 p.m. we are in an advisory area, meaning strong currents and a tsunami are possible and waves and currents can kill or injure people who are in the water," Spokesman Chuck Westerheide said. "But that's key — people who areinthe water." "Currents at beaches in harbors, marinas, bays and inlets may be especially dangerous," he added. The Weather Service said tsunami messages are issued by the tsunami warning centers to alert local authorities and the public of possible danger. There are four levels of tsunami alerts, according to the weather service: Tsunami Warning: "Take Action—Danger! A tsunami that may cause widespread flooding is expected or occurring. Dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours or days after initial arrival." Tsunami Advisory: "Take Action—A tsunami with potential for strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is expected or occurring. There may be flooding of beach and harbor areas." Tsunami Watch: "Be Prepared—A distant earthquake has occurred. A tsunami is possible." Tsunami Information Statement: "Relax—An earthquake has occurred, but there is no threat or it was very far away and the threat has not been determined. In most cases, there is no threat of a destructive tsunami." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Here's what you should do if a tsunami is threatening your area