Earthquake Strikes Alaska, Prompts Tsunami Warnings

By Matt Alto, Meteorologist

January 5,2013; 3:57PM,EST

A strong earthquake of a preliminary 7.7 magnitude struck off the coast of southeastern Alaska early Saturday morning.
The quake's epicenter was located about 208 miles to the south of Juneau, Alaska, at a depth of 3 miles.
Another magnitude 4.7 quake also occurred in the same area shortly after.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, there was no widespread threat of a tsunami. However, the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center issued regional warnings for the coasts located near the earthquake.
A tsunami warning was issued for the coastal areas of British Columbia and Alaska from the northern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia to Cape Suckling, Alaska.
A tsunami advisory was issued for coastal areas of British Columbia from the Washington and British Columbia boarder to the north tip of Vancouver Island as well as the coastal areas of Alaska from Cape Suckling to Kennedy entrance.
There were no initial reports of damage from the quake.
Updates:
9:50 A.M.: The largest wave reported from the Alaska Earthquake occurred on the Island of Maui in Hawaii. The wave was measured at 2.5 feet above ambient sea level.
6:15 A.M.: All tsunami warnings are cancelled.
6:10 A.M.: Two additional aftershocks, magnitude 4.8 and 4.2, have been reported near the epicenter. This brings the total aftershocks to 4.
5:40 A.M.: According to The Juneau Empire, a resident of Juneau, Archie Hinman, said the earthquake "shook my Juneau home violently enough to awaken the entire family." He added that there was no apparent damage his home.
5:25 A.M.: Tsunami Advisory is cancelled from Washington and British Columbia border to north tip of Vancouver Island. The Advisory is also cancelled from the coastal areas of Alaska from Cape Fairweather, Alaska to Cape Suckling, Alaska. The Tsunami Warning remains in effect.
5:20 A.M.: A small tsunami has been observed at Port Alexander, Alaska. Sea level rose 6 inches.
5:15 A.M.: Two aftershocks of magnitude 4.7 and 4.5 have been reported by the USGS.
5:00 A.M.: The USGS downgraded magnitude of the earthquake from 7.7 to 7.5.