M 3.3 Minor Earthquake Recorded 61 km ENE of Tonopah, Nevada

What Happened

A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.3 (ml) was recorded on February 21, 2026, at 08:50:13 UTC. The event occurred approximately 61 kilometers (38 miles) east-northeast of Tonopah, Nevada. The earthquake was measured at a shallow depth of 6.3 kilometers (3.9 miles).

Location Details

The seismic event was centered at coordinates 38.253°N and 116.5738°W. In geological terms, a depth of 6.3 kilometers is considered shallow; shallow earthquakes (those occurring at depths less than 20 km) are often felt more strongly at the surface than deeper events of the same magnitude.

Impact Assessment

At the time of reporting, there have been no official felt reports submitted to the USGS. There is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect for this inland event. No specific alert level color has been assigned, and there are no reports of damage or injuries associated with this routine seismic activity.

What You Should Know

Earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.9 are classified as “minor.” While they are often felt by people near the epicenter, they rarely cause structural damage. Residents in the region should be aware that aftershocks are a common occurrence following seismic activity, though they are typically smaller than the initial event.

Source

Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.