Magnitude 7.9 earthquake strikes off Alaska

A magnitude 7.9 earthquake hit about 175 miles southeast of Kodiak, Alaska.  The quake hit just after 12:30 a.m. local time.  A tsunami warning was issued for Alaska and Canada but later canceled.  Warning sirens were sounded in Homer according to video posted to social media.  A watch was issued for California, Oregon and Washington.  The timeline for initial waves for any tsunami had passed with no activity at the Alaska coast.

The quake was felt in about 350 miles north in Anchorage according to citizen reports to the USGS.  Other reports of shaking were reported south in the Cook Inlet.  The initial quake was followed by several aftershocks.

The shaking in some areas was felt as long as 90 seconds.  People were urged to seek higher ground when there were fears that a tsunami could be on the way.  Some people drove out of Seward on the only road out of that city.

There were no initial reports of damage or injuries.  The quake was initially reported as an 8.2 but was later downgraded.