Anchorage, AK – A strong earthquake shook Southcentral Alaska late Thursday morning, rattling homes from Anchorage to the Susitna Valley and briefly disrupting holiday travel. No tsunami threat is expected, but aftershocks may continue through early next week.
According to the National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, a magnitude 5.8 to 6.0 earthquake struck at 8:11 a.m. AKST roughly 35 miles northwest of Anchorage and 55 miles west of Palmer. USGS scientists report the quake originated at a depth of about 69 km, which reduced the potential for surface damage despite strong regional shaking. More than 500 residents submitted “Did You Feel It?” reports within the first hour, noting moderate shaking but minimal structural impacts. Officials placed the event in the “green” category for both expected fatalities and economic losses.
According to Alaska DOT, brief slowdowns occurred on the Glenn Highway and the Parks Highway as crews checked bridges and overpasses. No major issues have been identified, though drivers are urged to stay alert for rockfall in steep terrain near Hatcher Pass and along the Knik Arm. Anchorage Fire Department units conducted rapid facility checks, reporting no significant damage.
According to USGS analysts, there is a 75 percent chance of aftershocks of magnitude 4.0 or greater over the next week, though large aftershocks above magnitude 6.0 remain unlikely. Residents are encouraged to inspect homes for fallen items, reset emergency kits, secure heavy shelves, and check utility connections. In multi-story buildings, people should use caution around stairwells and elevators until aftershock activity declines.
