EARTHQUAKES: 4.2 in Hood Canal area felt by some here; later, a 4.8 off Vancouver Island

9:33 PM: Just got a text from someone in the Alki area saying they felt an earthquake that hit about half an hour ago in the Hood Canal area. Preliminary info indicates it was magnitude 4.2, which is stronger than the mild earthquakes which otherwise aren’t so uncommon in the region. The epicenter is described as west of Belfair. (The US Geological Survey map puts it under Hood Canal.) Will add anything more we find out.

10:26 PM: No damage reported, according to authorities near the epicenter:

Yes, Mason County, we had an earthquake! We had some alarm systems go off but no reports of slides or other damage as of now. Be safe!

— Mason County Sheriff (@MasonCoSheriff) February 23, 2017

10:33 PM: Much further away, but still in our region, another quake tonight – 4.8 magnitude, off northwest Vancouver Island (here’s the USGS page). And we’re reminded that the 16th anniversary of the 6.8 Nisqually quake is next week. So we’re going to take a moment to remind you again of your Emergency Communication Hubs – memorize the nearest one, so you know where to go in case of something big:

Neighbor February 22, 2017 (9:56 pm)

I’m in Tahuya tonight and it felt strong! Enough to rattle dishes and everything loose. The dog snored right through it.

ClayJustSayin February 23, 2017 (7:09 am)

It is a good thing you are there, to save your dog if need be.

Alki Resident February 22, 2017 (10:04 pm)

My friends live in Grapeview. It was hard felt there but people in Bainbridge, Bremerton and as far as Tumwater felt it. Not liking this.

Barb February 22, 2017 (10:28 pm)

Genesee Hill and we felt it.

M February 22, 2017 (10:50 pm)

My brother lives in Allyn, right next to Belfair. He called me and asked me I felt it. His house shook and his pictures swayed back and forth. He said it was quite a jolt.

Elle Nell February 22, 2017 (11:28 pm)

Wow.. this sounds like the plates are really active. Maybe we’ll finally get the “big one” we’ve been expecting for decades now.

WSB February 22, 2017 (11:43 pm)

Sure hope not. The last “catastrophic quake” on the nearest fault was 1100 years ago and I’d be fine if it waited another century or two or three or … But this is the latest reminder, if anybody needs one, always be ready … TR

Diane February 23, 2017 (12:29 am)

my space heater popped over onto the floor; I didn’t feel anything, but the heater falling totally freaked me out; glad to hear on tv news same thing happened to others, just an earthquake

WS Resident February 23, 2017 (7:45 am)

I totally felt it on Alki last night. I am in a condo and the whole building shook, mild shake but enough and long enough to bring to my attention that something was happening.

Sorry, comment time is over.