Alaska earthquakes : Anchorage feels strong jolt as magnitude ~6.0 rattles Southcentral

A strong earthquake shook Southcentral Alaska this morning, with Anchorage residents reporting sharp, rolling motion and prolonged rumbling. Initial readings place the mainshock around magnitude 6.0–6.1, striking near the Willow–Skwentna area at approximately 8:12 a.m. AKST (17:12 UTC). Because the epicenter was inland, no tsunami threat is expected. The Alaska Earthquake Center and other monitoring networks note that evaluations are ongoing and figures may be refined throughout the day.

Alaska Earthquake Center: what the instruments show so far

Early instrument data indicates an intermediate-depth event typical for this region of the subducting Pacific Plate beneath Alaska. Preliminary locations put the epicenter northwest of Anchorage and north of the Susitna River valley, an area that frequently experiences moderate to strong quakes. The Alaska Earthquake Center’s automatic detections show a cluster of seismicity across Southcentral today, with multiple smaller events before and after the mainshock. As with any sizable quake, aftershocks are expected—some could be felt locally. Engineers and seismologists will analyze waveform fits to refine the magnitude, depth, and focal mechanism over the next several hours.

Key preliminary details (subject to update)

• Time: ~8:12 a.m. AKST (17:12 UTC), Thursday, November 27, 2025

• Preliminary magnitude: ~6.0–6.1 (may adjust slightly with manual review)

• Epicentral region: Willow–Skwentna area, Southcentral Alaska

• Depth: Intermediate (dozens of miles/km beneath the surface; exact value under review)

• Tsunami risk: None expected due to inland location

Anchorage earthquake today: what residents reported

Residents across Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, and Palmer described a brisk onset followed by several seconds of rolling motion—strong enough to rattle windows and knock light objects from shelves. Farther afield, light to moderate shaking was likely felt on the Kenai Peninsula and parts of the Matanuska–Susitna Borough. In Anchorage high-rises, upper floors often amplify motion; occupants commonly feel longer durations even when structural systems perform as designed. Utilities and transportation agencies typically conduct rapid inspections after events of this size; brief service checks and slower traffic near bridges and overpasses are common on days like this.

Earthquake Alaska today: why Southcentral shakes often

Southcentral Alaska sits atop one of the world’s most active plate boundaries, where the Pacific Plate dives beneath North America. Large quakes concentrate offshore along the Aleutian–Alaska subduction zone, but significant intraslab events also occur beneath the mainland as the subducting plate bends and fractures at depth. These intermediate-depth earthquakes can produce widespread, felt shaking because they originate beneath populated areas and release energy efficiently. The magnitude ~6.0 window is well within Alaska’s frequent-seismicity range and, while notable, is far smaller than the great subduction events that generate tsunamis.

What to do now: safety steps after an Alaska earthquake

Shaking has stopped, but aftershocks are likely. Treat the next 24–48 hours with extra caution:

• Check for hazards: Look for gas leaks (smell of sulfur/rotten eggs), damaged chimneys, fallen power lines, and cracked foundations. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off the gas if you know how and move everyone outside; call your utility.

• Expect aftershocks: If another jolt hits, Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Stay away from heavy shelves, unsecured TVs, and glass.

• Inspect your go-bag: Ensure you have water, medications, a flashlight, a radio, and spare batteries ready.

• Secure your space: Strap water heaters, brace tall bookcases, and move heavy items to lower shelves to reduce future risks.

• Document damage: Photograph issues for insurance and report significant structural problems to local authorities.

Alaska Earthquake Center updates: what to watch for the rest of today

Throughout the day, the Alaska Earthquake Center will review automatic solutions, publish analyst-confirmed magnitudes and depths, and post an evolving aftershock map. Expect minor variability in the reported magnitude (for example, ML vs. Mw) as different methods converge on a final value. Emergency managers will issue local advisories as needed, and building inspectors may prioritize checks of critical infrastructure in Anchorage and surrounding communities.

If you felt the quake, submitting a felt report helps refine shaking intensity maps, especially in neighborhoods with few instruments. Keep phones charged, enable emergency alerts, and follow official guidance if inspections or road closures are announced.

today’s Anchorage-area quake

A strong, inland earthquake around magnitude 6 rattled Southcentral Alaska this morning, widely felt across Anchorage and the Mat-Su. No tsunami threat is anticipated. Aftershocks are likely, so residents should remain alert, check their homes for hazards, and follow safety guidance. The Alaska Earthquake Center and partner networks will continue to refine event details and share updates as reviews progress.