Tsunami warnings issued after 7.3 earthquake rocks southern Alaska coast

A tsunami warning has been issued for south Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula after a massive 7.3 magnitude earthquake, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the earthquake just after 1:30 p.m., about 54 miles south of Sand Point, and at a depth of nearly 12.5 miles underground. The earthquake was originally reported as a magnitude 7.2, but was then upgraded to a 7.3, according to the USGS.

The NWS National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer put out the tsunami warning to social media, for south Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula, including the Pacific coasts from Kennedy Entrance to Unimak Pass.

Tsunami advisories mean that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents or waves dangerous to people in or very near the water is expected. Significant widespread waves are not expected for areas under an advisory. Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.

For more information on this event, please visit www.tsunami.gov.

A major earthquake, capable of causing "serious damage," is considered having a magnitude between 7.0-7.9, according to Michigan Technological University. Only about 10-15 earthquakes of this caliber are reported each year.

There is no tsunami threat for the United States and Canadian Pacific coasts in North America.