Live seismic activity in Seattle — updated every 60 seconds from USGS data. Seattle sits above the Cascadia Subduction Zone and on top of the shallow Seattle Fault, with a history of damaging deep earthquakes.
See real‑time seismic activity in Seattle. This page shows all earthquakes from the last 24 hours, updated every 60 seconds from USGS.
Seattle sits above the Cascadia Subduction Zone and on top of the shallow Seattle Fault, which last ruptured around 900–930 CE in an earthquake of M7 or larger. The region has also been shaken by deeper earthquakes within the subducting plate, including the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. Major faults include the Seattle Fault, Tacoma Fault, South Whidbey Island Fault, and the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Notable quakes include the 2001 Nisqually earthquake (M6.8), the 1965 Seattle–Tacoma earthquake (M6.7) and the 1949 Olympia earthquake (M6.8). The seismic risk is high. Tectonically, Seattle lies on the North American Plate, where the Juan de Fuca Plate subducts beneath it. This page provides real‑time USGS data and historical context for Seattle.
See earthquakes today in Seattle with real‑time USGS data. Filter by magnitude, depth, and find earthquakes near me in Seattle. Updated every 60 seconds.
The region is defined by Seattle Fault, Tacoma Fault, South Whidbey Island Fault, Cascadia Subduction Zone, and the risk level is classified as High. With a population of 4.0 million, understanding local seismic hazards is crucial.
Seattle lies on Juan de Fuca Plate subducting beneath North American Plate. The movement of these plates builds up stress, which is released as earthquakes. In subduction zones, one plate dives beneath another, generating some of the largest quakes on Earth. In some regions, strike‑slip faults produce frequent moderate earthquakes.
Use the live map above – it shows all earthquakes from the last 24 hours, updated every 60 seconds from USGS. Click any dot for details.
The strongest recorded earthquake in Seattle was the 2001 Nisqually earthquake (M6.8). 2001 Nisqually (M6.8)
Seattle experiences approximately 200-500 earthquakes per year, with 20-50 felt (M3.0+) and 2-5 potentially damaging events (M5.0+) annually, according to USGS historical data.
The most recent major earthquake in Seattle was the 2001 Nisqually earthquake (M6.8). 2001 Nisqually (M6.8)
Yes. Seattle is crossed by Seattle Fault, Tacoma Fault, South Whidbey Island Fault, Cascadia Subduction Zone, making it prone to seismic activity. The seismic risk level is classified as High.
Drop, cover, and hold on. Stay away from windows, and if outdoors, move to an open area. After the shaking stops, check for injuries and be ready for aftershocks. Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, first aid, and a flashlight.
Data sources: USGS real‑time feed, USGS historical archive, and Wikipedia. Page refreshes live earthquake data every 60 seconds.