Earthquakes Near Seattle Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Seattle, Washington.
Checking live USGS data near Seattle…
Why Seattle gets earthquakes
Seattle faces three distinct earthquake threats. The Cascadia Subduction Zone offshore can produce M9 megathrust quakes (the last was in January 1700). The Seattle fault runs east–west directly under the city and ruptured violently around 900–930 AD. And deep quakes within the subducting slab — like the 2001 Nisqually M6.8 — strike beneath Puget Sound every few decades.
The Nisqually quake injured hundreds and caused about $2 billion in damage, cracking the Alaskan Way Viaduct that has since been torn down. Soft soils in Pioneer Square, SoDo, and the Duwamish Valley amplify shaking, which is why unreinforced brick buildings there are a major retrofit focus.
Seattle earthquake FAQ
▸Did Seattle just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Seattle and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Seattle?
Seattle's three main sources are the Cascadia Subduction Zone (M9 potential), the Seattle fault running directly under the city, and deep intraslab quakes like the 2001 Nisqually M6.8. The South Whidbey Island and Tacoma faults add further crustal sources.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Seattle, WA?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Seattle?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.