Seattle, Washington – Two offshore earthquakes struck within roughly one hour Sunday afternoon, with a magnitude 4.1 tremor followed by a magnitude 3.2 event, both centered west of the Washington coastline at a depth of 10 kilometers.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the stronger 4.1 magnitude quake hit at 15:04 UTC, followed by a 3.2 magnitude tremor at 16:04 UTC. Both events occurred in the Pacific Ocean, more than 120 miles offshore, limiting the risk of ground shaking across populated areas.
Communities along the Washington coast, including Aberdeen, Ocean Shores, and Westport, may have experienced little to no noticeable shaking due to the offshore location and moderate depth. Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia remained unaffected, with no immediate reports of damage or infrastructure disruption from state emergency management agencies.
Seismologists note that offshore quakes of this size are relatively common along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where the Juan de Fuca Plate meets the North American Plate. While these smaller events do not signal a larger earthquake, they are closely monitored for patterns of increased activity.
Residents are encouraged to review earthquake preparedness plans, secure heavy items, and ensure emergency kits are updated. Officials say no tsunami threat was issued, and monitoring will continue through Sunday night as aftershock chances remain low but possible.
