Oprah Winfrey has responded after viral social media posts claimed she kept her private road closed off despite tsunami warnings in Hawaii, with other roads gridlocked with people fleeing the coast to reach higher ground.

Winfrey has assured fans that she opened up her private road in Hawaii "as soon as" she heard the tsunami warnings.

Her spokesperson said the road on Winfrey’s property is owned by Haleakalā Ranch. Winfrey has an easement agreement with the ranch.