A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck off Mexico’s Pacific coast Friday near the Mexico-Guatemala border, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The agency said the earthquake occurred at a depth of about 11.5 miles (18.5 kilometers) and was centered about 36 miles southwest of Puerto Madero, Mexico.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the earthquake generated a tsunami threat for portions of Mexico and Guatemala. NOAA later reported that tsunami waves have been observed.

They said tsunami waves of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) above normal tide levels are possible along parts of the Pacific coasts of Mexico and Guatemala.

NOAA officials said it will continue issuing tsunami forecasts and informational statements in support of the United Nations tsunami mitigation system. However, any official tsunami watches, warnings or advisories will be issued by government agencies in the affected countries.

Brantly Scott

A native of the Sunshine State, Meteorologist Brantly Scott is originally from Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle. His passion for weather was shaped by the active hurricane seasons of his childhood, particularly when his hometown experienced back-to-back hurricane landfalls in 2004 and 2005.

Magnitude 7.3 earthquake strikes off Mexico’s Pacific coast, prompts tsunami threat

About The Author

Brantly Scott