Japan is having some quakes that I am confident the people are feeling and probably worried, but, the general region of the Pacific is quiet.
The volcano doesn't seem to have erupted with quakes occurring. It must have been from pressure deeper within the volcano itself.
Evacution away from the volcano would be prudent. My guess is that a Submarine Lava Dome (click here) exploded. That is an enormous pressure release.
The USA West Coast might have wave that are accompanied by a strong undetow and remaining out of the water is prudent. I would be surprised to have another big explosion, but, it is possible even if remote possibility.
By Nick Perry
Wellington, New Zealand - An undersea volcano (click here) erupted in spectacular fashion near the Pacific nation of Tonga on Saturday, sending large tsunami waves crashing across the shore and people rushing to higher ground. A tsunami advisory was in effect for Hawaii, Alaska and the U.S. Pacific coast, with reports of waves pushing boats up in the docks in Hawaii.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or the extent of the damage because all internet connectivity with Tonga was lost at about 6:40 p.m. local time — about 10 minutes after problems began, said Doug Madory, director of internet analysis for the network intelligence firm Kentik.
Tonga gets its internet via an undersea cable from Suva, Fiji, which presumably was damaged. The company that manages that connection, Southern Cross Cable Network, could not immediately be reached for comment.
In Hawaii, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported waves slamming ashore from half a meter (1.6 feet) in Nawiliwili, Kauai, to 80 centimeters (2.7 feet) in Hanalei. “We are relieved that there is no reported damage and only minor flooding throughout the islands,” the center said, describing the situation in Hawaii....
What was the weather doing? Those circular clouds near the volcano are interesting. It doesn't look like a disturbance pattern.
Past Weather in Nuku'alofa — Graph (click here)
Thunderstorms that morning.
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There doesn't seem to have been much warning. The lava dome exploded.
