Large Earthquake in Nevada Shakes the West

news image
Special Stories
15 May 2020 6:57 AM
A large earthquake woke up some residents of California and Nevada with a jolt Friday morning. [embed]https://twitter.com/NHPNorthernComm/status/1261320454435823617[/embed] The epicenter of the magnitude 6.5 earthquake is located about 35 miles west of Tonopah in Western Nevada, near the Monte Cristo Range. The quake caused damaged to US-95 in the area which closed the road, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol. [embed]https://twitter.com/USGS/status/1261272125681385473[/embed] The earthquake was initially given a magnitude of 6.4, which has since been updated. Multiple large aftershocks, over 4.5 in magnitude, were record in the hour after shaking and more are expected, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Shaking was reported as far away as the Bay Area near San Francisco, Bakersfield, and Las Vegas. According to the USGS, this was a shallow earthquake, with a depth of only 2.8 kilometers. It occurred "as the result of strike slip faulting" within the "Walker Lane," an active zone roughly aligned with the California-Nevada border. You can read more about the tectonic history of the area and the analysis of the earthquake here. The USGS does not expect major economic losses from this earthquake due to its rural location but damage to infrastructure is possible with an earthquake of this size. This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
All Weather News
More
Melissa is Rapidly Intensifying in the Caribbean

Melissa is Rapidly Intensifying in the Caribbean

All eyes are on the Caribbean as we are now t

26 Oct 2025 3:15 AM
Growing Flooding Concern Across the Gulf

Growing Flooding Concern Across the Gulf

As a slow-moving upper-level low approaches f

26 Oct 2025 2:15 AM
A Severe Thunderstorm Risk Continues Across Texas Into Early Sunday Morning

A Severe Thunderstorm Risk Continues Across Texas Into Early Sunday Morning

As an upper-level low moves in from the west,

26 Oct 2025 2:10 AM
The Pacific Northwest Being Impacted by the Latest Atmospheric River

The Pacific Northwest Being Impacted by the Latest Atmospheric River

Multiple storm systems are expected to impact

26 Oct 2025 2:05 AM
Great Lakes Storms, High Plains Winds, and Cooler Air

Great Lakes Storms, High Plains Winds, and Cooler Air

GREAT LAKES - A large trough has been moving

25 Oct 2025 3:00 AM
NOAA Releases Outlook for Winter 25-26'

NOAA Releases Outlook for Winter 25-26'

Ready for another La Niña winter? NOAA quietl

21 Oct 2025 1:40 AM
Strong Fall Front Fires Up Severe Chances Through Monday Morning

Strong Fall Front Fires Up Severe Chances Through Monday Morning

October has been relatively quiet in terms of

20 Oct 2025 10:35 AM