Did You Feel It? early morning 11th Ave suspicious booms, ripples from San Juan Islands quake

Residents of Seattle's First Hill and Yesler Terrace were startled awake early Monday by suspicious booms, which led to police investigations around 4 AM for a reported explosion with light smoke but no flames. The Seattle Police found a person potentially involved in a personal dispute near the scene, although there were no reports of injuries or damage. Approximately an hour later, a 4. 5 magnitude earthquake struck the San Juan Islands, sending ripples felt by some in the surrounding Puget Sound area. The USGS ShakeAlert system and MyShakeApp provided timely warnings about the tremor, underscoring the importance of preparedness for seismic events.

Seattle officials have shifted their advice on emergency supplies from three days to a more realistic seven to ten days, emphasizing the need for water, food, and first aid kits. Residents are encouraged to engage with the Seattle Emergency Hub Network, which operates over 140 designated meeting points across the city, enhancing community resilience in the face of disasters. This incident serves as a crucial reminder for urban dwellers to stay prepared for unexpected seismic activity. Community preparedness initiatives, modeled after successful programs in New Zealand, aim to ensure safety during emergencies.