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.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green has urged residents to evacuate all coastal areas immediately, warning that tsunami waves will "wrap around the islands."

A significant earthquake struck early Wednesday, prompting officials in both Hawaii and Japan to issue evacuation orders as a precautionary measure. The seismic event, which occurred in the Pacific region,