M 4.8 Light Earthquake Strikes Near Tonopah, Nevada

What Happened

A light earthquake with a magnitude of 4.79 ml was recorded on March 21, 2026, at 05:57 UTC (March 20, 10:57 PM local time). The seismic event was centered 78 km northeast of Tonopah, Nevada, and occurred at a very shallow depth of 2.7 km.

Location Details

The epicenter was located at coordinates 38.4791°N and 116.4982°W. The recorded depth of 2.7 km is considered shallow; earthquakes occurring at depths of less than 20 km are typically felt more intensely by those in the immediate vicinity compared to deeper seismic events.

Impact Assessment

The USGS has assigned a “green” alert level to this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or significant economic damage. As this was an inland earthquake, there is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect. At the time of this report, one felt report had been submitted to the USGS, and the Maximum Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) was measured at 4.181, indicating light shaking.

What You Should Know

Earthquakes with magnitudes between 4.0 and 4.9 are classified as “light.” These events often cause noticeable shaking and may result in light damage, though they rarely cause significant structural failure. Residents in the area should remain aware of the potential for aftershocks. In the event of further seismic activity, remember to drop, cover, and hold on.

Source

Information and data for this report were provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.