Residents across Southcentral Alaska experienced an unexpected jolt early Thursday when a powerful earthquake struck just as many families were preparing to begin their Thanksgiving celebrations. The quake, recorded at magnitude 6.0, was strong enough to startle people out of sleep, shake homes, and send light items tumbling from shelves. Despite the intensity of the shaking, authorities say there have been no immediate reports of significant destruction or injuries.

According to information released by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earthquake Hazards Program, the tremor occurred at 8:11 a.m. local time and was centered roughly 26 miles southwest of Willow. The earthquake originated at a depth of about 43 miles, placing it within the region’s complex seismic zone shaped by the interaction between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates.

The Alaska Earthquake Center confirmed that the tremor was felt across a wide area, stretching north toward Fairbanks and throughout communities in the Mat-Su Borough. Many residents described the quake as a “long, rolling shake,” lasting several seconds—enough time for people to recognize what was happening before it eased.

Initially measured at magnitude 6.2, the reading was later downgraded to 6.0 after seismologists completed a more detailed review of the data. The National Tsunami Warning Center assured the public that the quake’s depth and location did not pose a tsunami threat.

This Thanksgiving earthquake marks one of the strongest seismic events recorded in Southcentral Alaska in recent years. The last comparable quake was a magnitude 6.1 in 2021 near Chickaloon. Older residents also recall the powerful 7.1 earthquake that struck Point MacKenzie in 2018, causing significant damage to roads, homes, and infrastructure across the Anchorage region.

The most recent incident comes just days after a magnitude 4.9 quake was reported near Cook Inlet, north of Tyonek. While scientists say this week’s events do not necessarily signal a larger seismic trend, Alaska remains one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world, with hundreds of measurable tremors recorded each month.

Experts note that Southcentral Alaska sits above a dynamic tectonic environment that includes subduction zones, intermediate-depth seismicity, and crustal faults. The region has a long history of powerful earthquakes, including the catastrophic 9.2 magnitude Great Alaska Earthquake in 1964—still the second-largest earthquake ever documented globally.

Seismologists emphasize that Thursday’s quake appears to have been a typical intermediate-depth event, meaning it originated within the descending Pacific Plate rather than along a surface fault. These quakes capable of widespread shaking but generally cause less surface rupture compared to shallow crustal events.

Emergency officials are reminding residents to remain prepared for aftershocks, which are common following earthquakes of this size. Preparedness plans—such as securing household items, having emergency kits, and knowing safe spots inside the home—remain essential in a region where earthquakes occur frequently.

For now, Thanksgiving celebrations across Alaska have continued with minimal disruption, and authorities will continue monitoring the situation for any aftershocks or delayed impact reports from remote communities.

FAQ Section

1. Was anyone injured in the Alaska 6.0 earthquake?

As of now, authorities have not reported any major injuries linked to the Thanksgiving morning earthquake.

2. Did the earthquake cause significant damage?

No major structural damage has been reported. Some residents experienced falling items and strong shaking, but overall impacts were minimal.

3. Was a tsunami warning issued?

No. The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that the earthquake’s depth made a tsunami unlikely.

4. What areas felt the quake?

The tremor was felt in Willow, Anchorage, the Mat-Su Borough, and as far north as Fairbanks.

5. Is this earthquake related to the recent Cook Inlet quake?

While they occurred close together in time, scientists say earthquakes in Alaska occur frequently and one event does not always cause another.

6. Should residents expect aftershocks?

Aftershocks are possible following a magnitude 6.0 earthquake. Officials advise residents to remain alert and follow safety guidelines.