Pe Ell, Washington – Residents along the I-5 corridor between Portland and Olympia may have felt a brief jolt just after 5:19 a.m. Monday as a small earthquake struck in rural Lewis County.
According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network at the University of Washington, a magnitude 2.6 earthquake hit 10 kilometers east-southeast of Pe Ell at a depth of about 46.8 kilometers. The quake occurred at 5:19 a.m. Pacific time and was automatically reviewed.
The epicenter sits roughly midway between Portland and Olympia, in a lightly populated area of southwest Washington. At that depth and magnitude, shaking would likely have been weak and short-lived, with little to no damage expected. Communities including Centralia, Chehalis and areas west of Interstate 5 may have noticed a subtle rumble or brief vibration.
No injuries or infrastructure damage have been reported. Deep earthquakes like this are common in the Pacific Northwest due to ongoing tectonic activity tied to the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
Emergency officials do not anticipate aftershocks of concern, but residents are encouraged to review earthquake preparedness plans, secure heavy furniture and ensure emergency kits are stocked. Additional seismic updates will be issued if activity increases.
