Washington, D.C. rarely has its own earthquakes, but regional events like the 2011 Virginia quake are felt across the capital. This page pulls real records for Washington, D.C.: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Washington, D.C..
Check Washington, D.C. hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk in Washington, D.C. - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in Washington, D.C. - FAQ
Is Washington, D.C. at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 1 quake every 3 years nearby of magnitude 4+ within 300 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data.
What was the biggest earthquake in Washington, D.C.?
We don't have a standout large earthquake on record close to Washington, D.C. in the modern catalog, though smaller quakes can still occur.
Does Washington, D.C. get tsunamis?
Yes - 10 tsunamis since 1821 (most recently 1944) within 300 km, from the NOAA database. The deadliest killed around 4 people.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Washington, D.C.?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.