The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Center (JATWC) on Saturday night issued tsunami warnings for the marine environment to New South Wales state, Queensland state, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.

It says there is "potential tsunami threat" to the above states and possibility of dangerous waves, strong ocean currents and foreshore flooding for several hours from Sunday morning.

Sea level observations have confirmed a tsunami has been generated, according to the center.

The warning says, "Tsunami waves are more powerful than the same size beach waves, with the first wave not always the largest. "

Later update says that first tsunami effects in Australia are expected as early as 8:15 a.m. local time Sunday morning. Qeensland's capital city Brisbane is expected to see unusual currents and tides after 9:15 a.m. local time Sunday.

The update says that at this stage, those areas, including the coast and bays around Sydney Harbor, are not considered to be under threat of significant tsunami effects.

"Boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water should return to shore. Secure your boat and move away from the waterfront. Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until further advised," says it.

Tsunami source comes from an undersea earthquake of magnitude 8. 8 at 3:34 p.m. local time on Saturday near the coast of central Chile.