Oprah Winfrey has hit back at claims she refused to let Hawaiians use her private road as they fled from the impending tsunami.
The 8.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Russia’s Far East, unleashed tsunami warnings across the Pacific — from Japan and Russia’s Kuril Islands to the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii.
Dramatic videos have shown chaotic evacuations, massive traffic jams in Maui, and huge waves crashing against shores in Hokkaido and Severo-Kurilsk.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported tsunami waves over 5 feet high off Maui’s north-central shore.
As sirens wailed and evacuation orders were issued across the island, social media lit up with criticism directed at Winfrey.
One user wrote: “Oprah won’t open her private road from Wailea to Kula, Hawaii, which would make it much easier for locals to get to higher ground. Massive Traffic in Maui with thousands trying to escape the massive Tsunami coming. Open the road Oprah.”
But Oprah’s team quickly responded to the claims, denying that she had blocked any evacuation route.
“As soon as we heard the tsunami warnings, we contacted local law enforcement and FEMA to ensure the road was opened. Any reports otherwise are false. Local law enforcement are currently on site helping residents through 50 cars at a time to ensure everyone’s safety. The road will remain open as long as necessary,” her spokesperson told The Mirror.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump issued his own warning following the quake, posting to Truth Social: “Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii.
"A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov for the latest information. STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE!”
The National Weather Service echoed the urgency in a bulletin issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center: “You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.”
Tsunami watches and advisories were extended to parts of Alaska, including the Samalga Pass in the Aleutian Islands, and along California’s coast.
The National Weather Service office in Los Angeles confirmed that the alert affects San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties.
Flights to Hawaii have been suspended, and while no significant injuries have yet been reported, flooding has already damaged Russia’s Severo-Kurilsk port. Officials continue to monitor the tsunami threat as aftershocks ripple across the Pacific.