Seattle, Washington — A magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck near the Seattle area Tuesday afternoon, sending noticeable shaking across parts of Washington and prompting thousands of residents to report feeling the tremor.
The earthquake occurred at 2:05 p.m. PDT roughly three miles west-northwest of Wauna on the Kitsap Peninsula, about 21 miles southwest of Seattle. The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 17 miles.
Thousands Across Washington Feel the Earthquake
The shaking was felt across a broad portion of the region, according to reports collected by the USGS.
Residents in Tacoma, Olympia, Bremerton and Seattle were among those who reported feeling the earthquake. Most reports described the shaking as weak, although the depth and location of the earthquake allowed the tremor to be felt across a relatively large area.
Earthquakes of this size can be noticeable indoors, particularly to people who are sitting or otherwise stationary when the shaking begins.
There were no immediate indications of widespread serious damage associated with the earthquake.
USGS Sees Low Likelihood of Major Damage
The USGS estimates there is a low likelihood of casualties or significant damage from the earthquake.
Most people throughout the Pacific Northwest live in structures designed to withstand earthquake shaking, although some older or otherwise vulnerable buildings can remain at greater risk during stronger earthquakes.
The earthquake’s depth may also have influenced how the shaking was experienced across the surrounding communities.
For now, residents have been advised to remain aware of the possibility of additional shaking as the region moves through the next several days.
Aftershock Risk Remains Possible
The USGS released an aftershock forecast following the earthquake, showing that additional earthquakes remain possible.
According to the forecast, there is a 5% chance of at least one magnitude 4 or greater earthquake within the next 24 hours. There is also a 27% chance of at least one magnitude 3 or greater earthquake during that same period.
Looking farther ahead, the estimated probabilities increase.
Over the next week, the USGS estimates an 8% chance of another magnitude 4 or greater earthquake and a 38% chance of at least one magnitude 3 or greater earthquake in the area.
Those percentages do not mean another earthquake is expected to occur. Instead, they represent the statistical likelihood of additional earthquakes based on the current event and regional seismic patterns.
No Tsunami Threat Issued
Despite the earthquake occurring near the Puget Sound region, there was no tsunami warning, advisory, watch or threat issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center.
That means coastal communities were not facing a tsunami threat associated with Tuesday’s earthquake.
The lack of a tsunami alert is consistent with the characteristics of the event and does not indicate that a significant wave-generating event occurred.
California Also Rattled by an Earthquake
Tuesday’s earthquake near Seattle was not the only notable earthquake reported along the West Coast. The USGS also recorded a separate magnitude 4.7 earthquake along the California coast earlier Tuesday.
The two earthquakes were separate events and occurred in different areas of the West Coast.
The Pacific Northwest remains one of the country’s most seismically active regions, making earthquake preparedness an important consideration for residents.
What to Do During an Earthquake
If an earthquake occurs while you are outside, moving into an open area away from buildings, power lines and other objects that could fall can reduce the risk of injury.
People indoors are generally advised to protect themselves from falling objects and remain alert for additional shaking. For Seattle-area residents, Tuesday’s earthquake serves as another reminder that shaking can occur with little warning.
Did you feel the magnitude 4.2 earthquake in Washington? Tell us where you were when the shaking started and how strong it felt in your area in the comments.
