Key Takeaways:
- Mass Gridlock: Tsunami warnings after a massive 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s coast triggered bumper-to-bumper traffic on Hawaii’s limited highway system.
- Federal Alerts: DHS and President Trump issued warnings for Hawaii and watches for Alaska and the U.S. West Coast, urging residents to find high ground.
- Celebrity Controversy: Oprah Winfrey initially refused to open a private road on her property for evacuees, sparking outrage before finally relenting.
Hawaii’s highways turned into parking lots Tuesday as residents scrambled for higher ground following tsunami warnings issued after an 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia.
Photos and videos from Maui and Oahu flooded social media, showing bumper-to-bumper traffic as residents tried to evacuate. The gridlock underscored just how vulnerable America’s infrastructure can be when disaster strikes—especially in states with limited evacuation routes.
Homeland Security and President Trump issued tsunami warnings for Hawaii and a watch for Alaska and the West Coast. “Please be advised that there is a tsunami warning in effect for Hawaii. There is also a tsunami watch for Alaska and the west coast of the United States. Find high ground and stay safe,” DHS said in a statement.
Adding fuel to the fire, social media exploded after reports surfaced that Oprah Winfrey initially refused to open a private road on her Maui estate to evacuees desperate to escape the jammed highways. Critics accused her of prioritizing property concerns over public safety. Facing mounting backlash, Oprah eventually relented and opened the road, giving trapped drivers an alternate escape route.
While officials urged calm, the chaos highlighted the importance of preparedness—not just for households but for state and local governments that chronically underestimate the strain on roads and emergency systems. Gridlock can cost lives.
Hawaii’s economic engine also hangs in the balance. Tourism, small businesses, and local industries face major disruptions when the islands are forced to shut down. The takeaway: America must be proactive, not reactive, about disaster preparedness.