5.4 magnitude earthquake strikes West Texas

A 5.4 earthquake was felt in West Texas on Wednesday with an epicenter close to San Antonio, according to the United States Geological Survey. 

Residents of the area felt the earthquake at around 2:23 p.m. local time with an epicenter about 35 miles northwest of Pecos, Texas, and 350 miles northwest of San Antonio. 

The 5.4 magnitude earthquake had a depth of 8.3 kilometers from the surface. 

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake rattled West Texas and southeast New Mexico Wednesday afternoon. Shaking was reported as far away as Carlsbad, Hobbs, and Roswell. pic.twitter.com/QiagswLLYW

— Grant Tosterud (@granttosterudwx) November 16, 2022

Several aftershocks followed the earthquake, including magnitude 3.8, magnitude 3.4, magnitude 2.8, and a magnitude 2.6. The tremor could be felt all as far east as Dallas and Austin, and as far west as New Mexico. 

As of now, there have been 4 aftershocks from the original earthquake that struck Toyah, Texas earlier today. The earthquake is now being registered as a 5.4 magnitude quake. I will keep you updated! pic.twitter.com/CSzoGlvoeG

— Monica Cortez (@MonicaKTSM) November 16, 2022

The USGS reported light damage in some areas of West Texas. 

Wednesday’s earthquake is the third strongest to ever hit Texas and the strongest since 1995. The largest earthquake recorded in the state took place near Fort Davis in 1931 with a magnitude of 6.5, followed by one with a magnitude of 5.7 in 1995 near Alpine.

Again, today's Earthquake near the Reeves/Culberson County line (about 35 miles NW of Pecos) is the 3rd strongest EVER in the state of Texas, and the strongest to hit the state since 1995. #txwx #StormTracker9 pic.twitter.com/RsSeixKrGD

— Anthony Franze (@AnthonyFranzeWX) November 16, 2022