The tsunami Advisory continues in effect for the coastal areas of British Columbia and Alaska from the Washington-British Columbia border to Cape Decision, Alaska (85 miles SE of Sitka). - Event details: Preliminary magnitude 7.7 (Mw) earthquake / Lat: 52.900, Lon: -131.900 at 2012-10-28T03:04:10Z Tsunami advisories mean that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to people in or very near the water is expected. Significant widespread inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival. Recommended actions Recommended Actions: A tsunami has been generated which is expected to impact the advisory regions. People in low-lying coastal areas should be alert to instructions from their local emergency officials. If in a tsunami advisory coastal area, move out of the water, off the beach, and out of harbors and marinas. Next update and additional information: This message will be updated in 60 minutes or sooner if the situation warrants. The tsunami message will remain in effect until further notice. Refer to the internet site wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov for more information.

Waves between 3 and 7 feet are expected to lash the islands, beginning about 10:28 p.m. local time Saturday (4:28 a.m. Sunday ET), the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

"Basically this tsunami is pointed right at us," said Gerard Fryer, senior geophysicist at the center.

The impact could last for hours.

"It's not just one wave, it's a succession of waves," Fryer said. "We are recommending coastal evacuation."