Magnitude 3.0 Earthquake Rattles Seattle Suburb

Light shaking felt in nearby Seattle metro area, no reports of damage so far.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck the area just southeast of Cathcart, Washington around 5:40 a.m. local time on February 24, 2026. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported light shaking was felt in the nearby Seattle metropolitan region, but there have been no reports of damage so far.

Why it matters

Earthquakes, even relatively minor ones, can cause concern and disruption in communities. While a magnitude 3.0 quake is considered relatively small, it serves as a reminder of the seismic activity in the Pacific Northwest region and the need for earthquake preparedness.

The details

The earthquake originated just southeast of the town of Cathcart, Washington, which is located around 30 miles north of Seattle. The USGS said the quake was felt in the broader Seattle metro area, but there have been no immediate reports of any damage or injuries.

  • The earthquake occurred around 5:40 a.m. local time on February 24, 2026.

The players

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

The USGS is the scientific agency of the United States government responsible for studying the landscape, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This earthquake serves as a reminder for residents in the Seattle area to be prepared for seismic activity, including having emergency supplies, knowing evacuation routes, and being aware of the potential risks and impacts of earthquakes in the region.