Hawaii officials say the timing of the tsunami warning and evacuation orders following this week's massive earthquake off Russia helped make for severe traffic congestion in some areas

Residents and visitors across the Hawaiian Islands were sent scrambling after a tsunami warning was sent out on Tuesday.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center’s latest tsunami warning update for Hawaii says that first waves to hit Kauai measured at amplitude 3 to 4 feet in Hanalei, and 0.7 to 0.8 feet Nawiliwili. Tsunami amplitude is “measured relative to normal sea level,” according to the 8 p.m. update.