An earthquake measuring 4.5 in magnitude struck the waters near the San Juan Islands early Monday morning. The tremor occurred at 5:02 a.m. just off Deer Beach on Orcas Island, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake was recorded at a depth of 10.13 miles.
In Washington state, many seismic events are attributed to the interactions between the Juan de Fuca Plate and the North American Continental Plate, which collide as the Juan de Fuca Plate subducts beneath the continent. This area of seismic activity is known as the Cascadia Subduction Zone, according to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN).
The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed that there is no tsunami risk associated with this earthquake. Residents in western Washington, including those in Oak Harbor, Mukilteo, Bow, and Arlington, reported feeling the tremor. This latest earthquake follows a series of seismic events in the region throughout February, including two earthquakes exceeding 2.5 in magnitude on February 27.
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) notes that earthquakes occur daily in the state, although most are too minor to be felt. Due to its geological characteristics, Washington ranks as the second highest in the U.S. for the risk of experiencing a significant and potentially damaging earthquake.
The state has experienced several notable earthquakes in the past, with some causing considerable damage and prompting evacuations. The most significant event in recent history was the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, which measured 6.8 in magnitude and caused widespread shaking across western Washington.
