A powerful 7.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Sand Point, Alaska, early Thursday morning, sparking widespread concerns, a series of tsunami warnings and advisories across the state and beyond. The Alaska Earthquake Center confirmed that the epicenter was near the Aleutian Islands, a region known for its frequent seismic activity.
What We Know So Far About the Alaska Earthquake Today
The earthquake in Alaska today was recorded at approximately 2:48 AM local time, centered about 55 miles southeast of Sand Point, AK, a coastal community familiar with geological disruptions. The tremors were felt as far as Anchorage, Homer, Alaska, and even parts of western Washington and California, prompting urgent updates from the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center.
According to seismologists, the earthquake Alaska experienced was tectonic, with a depth of around 20 miles beneath the seafloor — shallow enough to trigger a tsunami in Alaska, depending on the movement of the ocean floor.
Tsunami Warning Alaska Today: Here’s What Residents Need to Know
Following the quake, a tsunami warning was immediately issued for portions of coastal Alaska, especially near Sandpoint, Alaska, and Kodiak Island. The Alaska tsunami warning today included calls for residents to move to higher ground and stay away from beaches and harbors.
The tsunami warning Anchorage authorities issued was more precautionary, but officials continue to monitor conditions closely. While the waves generated by the Alaska tsunami event were initially under one foot in height, experts caution that surges may increase unpredictably.
Emergency alerts also extended to parts of the Pacific Northwest, with a tsunami warning Washington bulletin issued briefly, and tsunami warning California agencies on high alert.
Alaska Earthquake: Aftershocks and Risks Still Loom
The earthquake in Alaska today was followed by a series of aftershocks, some registering above magnitude 5.0. The Alaska Earthquake Center has urged residents to remain vigilant as earthquakes continue in the region.
“While we don’t expect a catastrophic tsunami, localized surges are still a threat,” said Dr. Laura Jensen of the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. “This earthquake in Alaska is a stark reminder of the seismic volatility of this region.”
Impact on Coastal Communities
In Sand Point, minor damage was reported to docks and roadways. Schools and public offices remain closed as a precaution. In Anchorage, Alaska, although the shaking was mild, emergency services remain on standby.
What’s Next for Alaska?
As of now, the tsunami advisory remains in place for parts of the southern coast. The Alaska tsunami warning is expected to be downgraded if no significant wave activity is observed within the next 6–12 hours.
Authorities are urging residents and tourists in affected zones to follow all evacuation protocols and stay updated via official channels. Social media has been flooded with questions like “Is there a tsunami in Alaska?” and “What caused the earthquake today?”—a sign of growing public concern and the need for accurate, timely updates.
Stay Informed:
The situation is fluid. For real-time updates, follow the Alaska Earthquake Center, the Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, and local emergency management channels.