HONOLULU -- The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center canceled a tsunami warning for Alaska's western Aleutian Islands and a tsunami watch for Hawaii following a strong earthquake in the northern Pacific.

There is a tsunami watch for the rest of the Aleutians and coastal areas along southcentral Alaska to Seward. Hawaii is also under a tsunami watch.

Possible surges that could change the sea levels at Alaska's Dutch Harbor at about 4 a.m. ET. They could reach Hawaii about an hour later.

The quake was centered northeast of Japan, with a preliminary magnitude of 8.3.

Waves over three feet were expected along the northeast shore of Japan's northern-most island, Hokkaido.

Officials in towns along Japan's Pacific coast issued evacuation orders to flee to higher ground.

There have been no reports of injuries or damage from the quake.