A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the west coast of British Columbia shortly after 8 p.m., Saturday, prompting an initial tsunami warning for coastal areas of Canada, southern Alaska and Hawaii.

The warning was later downgraded to a tsunami advisory for those areas. Impact from the earthquake is not expected to affect coastal areas of Washington state or the San Juan Islands.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred near the Queen Charlotte Islands at a depth of about three miles, centered roughly 96 miles south of Masset, British Columbia. It is reportedly one of the largest earthquakes to strike the region in years, and was followed by a 5.8-magnitude aftershock several minutes later.

According to a report by the Associated Press, the quake latest about 40 seconds and rattled nerves of those living in surrounding areas, but caused little damage.

Follow this link for the latest warnings and advisories; www.tsunami.gov