Elko, Nev. – A swarm of small earthquakes rattled northern Nevada on Saturday, with more than half a dozen tremors striking near Valmy, northeast of Battle Mountain, according to the Nevada Seismological Laboratory and USGS. The strongest quakes reached magnitude 3.3, though no damage has been reported.
According to USGS, the sequence began shortly after midnight and continued into the afternoon, with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 3.3. Most quakes were centered 50 to 68 kilometers northeast of Valmy, near the Oregon-Nevada border region. The shallow depths of some quakes, measured at less than 5 kilometers, made them more likely to be felt locally.
Residents in Elko County and surrounding rural towns, including Midas, could have experienced light shaking. Emergency officials advise residents to secure loose items indoors and check emergency kits, as aftershocks remain possible in the coming hours.
Clusters like Saturday’s are not uncommon in Nevada, one of the most seismically active states in the U.S. Authorities stress the importance of earthquake preparedness, including knowing safe spots indoors and having supplies on hand.
Seismologists will continue to monitor the swarm through the weekend. Additional minor quakes may occur, though significant impacts are not expected at this time.
