It was a scary start to the day for Vancouver Island residents when a tsunami warning was issued for the west coast of B.C.

The warning came following a 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck 280 kilometres south-east of Kodiak, Alaska.

The warning was cancelled around 4:30 a.m., but not before many people got out of their homes for safety.

A #Tsunami Warning has been issued for coastal areas of British Columbia. 8.0 quake off the coast of Alaska. https://t.co/bhBOJKJ7IH It is believed the waves generated may impact low lying areas under 20 metres.

— District of Tofino (@TofinoCA) January 23, 2018

A #tsunami warning is in effect for coastal areas of British Columbia. https://t.co/NcosMSmxwj

— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) January 23, 2018

Tsunami warning declared for westcoast of Vancouver Island due to earthquake in Alaska. Will hit in Port Alberni at 4:40 if real.

— Mike Ruttan (@MikeRuttanPA) January 23, 2018

The District of Tofino originally warned residents waves would hit the community at 3:40 a.m., but that was changed to 4:40 a.m.

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I feel as if this insta is for documenting my life.. i feel like this is a moment worth a post ? #tsunamiwarning

A post shared by Aly Thornton (@alythornton_23) on Jan 23, 2018 at 8:25am PST

Many people made their way to the emergency centre until they were told the warning was lifted.

(video courtesy Twitter/Catherine Lempke)

Meanwhile in Port Alerni, people were hitting the road to evacuate to higher ground.

Mayor Mike Ruttan said warning sirens were activated and repeated every 10 minutes.

(Video courtesy Twitter/Dingleberry Tech)

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In Greater Victoria, local emergency officials were knocking on doors telling residents to head for higher ground.

(Residents of Colwood near the water evacuated by police.)

Victoria advised residents near water to move two blocks inland, to higher ground or to an upper floor of a multi-story building. The City of Victoria said they made a mistake by only sending text and email alerts to mobile phones, while voice calls went to landlines for this morning’s alert. The city says in the future, they will send out alerts via text, email and phone calls to all phones assuming it is warranted.

(Video of emergency services at Fisherman’s Wharf. Courtesy Twitter/Christina Mitchell)

Many residents in Saanich headed for Mount Tolmie.

Tsunami warning brought everyone out to Mt. Tolmie at 3 a.m. Great way to start your day in Victoria. #yyj pic.twitter.com/gE9GiRffk7

— Spencer Pickles (@SpencerJPickles) January 23, 2018

Mt. Tolmie was packed after the tsunami warning. #yyj pic.twitter.com/8Itod6IWfQ

— Spencer Pickles (@SpencerJPickles) January 23, 2018

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