2:25 P.M. UPDATE: The Nevada Department of Transportation says U.S. 95 has reopened after it was damaged by an earthquake this morning near Tonopah.
9:15 A.M. UPDATE: The Nevada Department of Transportation has released more information about the earthquake damage to U.S. 95. NDOT says that there is minor pavement damage to a half-mile section of U.S. 95, north to the U.S. Route 6 junction in Tonopah.
#NEW @nevadadot releases more photos of #earthquake damage in Nevada https://t.co/dAOyJzPHH8 pic.twitter.com/uvkfTLFu40
— KTNV Action News (@KTNV) May 15, 2020
Most of the cracked areas have a minor lift that, as a temporary fix, will be shaved to minimize roadway surface bumps until a full repair can be scheduled in the future.
As a preventative safety measure, meanwhile, the department has temporarily closed U.S. Highway 95 between the U.S. Route 6 junction and U.S. Highway 360, with traffic being detoured while maintenance crews perform emergency repairs and inspect for further damage. The temporary closure will remain in place until 5 p.m., May 15.
8:40 A.M. UPDATE: Earthquake damage has closed U.S. 95 in Esmeralda County between State Route 360 and US-6. Nevada Highway Patrol is advising motorists to use an alternate route and to expect delays.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Earthquake damage at US-95 and Esmeralda County MM 89 has closed the highway between SR-360 and US-6 (Coaldale Junction). Use an alternate route and expect delays while @nevadadot makes repairs. pic.twitter.com/QJ0v6FW0Ae
— NHP Northern Command (@NHPNorthernComm) May 15, 2020
7:30 A.M. UPDATE: The Esmeralda County Sheriff's Office has posted photos of the damage to U.S. 95 in Esmeralda County.
6:30 A.M. UPDATE: The Mineral County Sheriff's Office is reporting that U.S. 95 is closed because of possible damage from the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that hit near Tonopah early this morning.
U.S. 95 is closed near Esmeralda. Nevada Department of Transportation, the Mineral County Sheriff's Office and Highway Patrol are on the scene.
5:30 A.M. UPDATE: The earthquake has been upgraded to a 6.5, according to the US Geological Survey.
ORIGINAL STORY
A 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit about 35 miles outside Tonopah early this morning and many are reporting that they felt it in the Las Vegas valley.
The quake, about 200 miles northwest of Las Vegas, struck at 4:03 a.m. and was followed by a series of aftershocks.
The quake's depth was estimated to be 4.7 miles (7.6 kms) deep, according to the US Geological Survey.
At least 4 aftershocks have been reported at this time.
Didn't feel anything here at the forecast office, but some folks in town are reporting they felt it. Did you feel it? https://t.co/ae8ZiqHJcu
— NWS Las Vegas (@NWSVegas) May 15, 2020
Back in July the #RidgecrestCa #Earthquake had THOUSANDS of aftershocks. This should keep coming for quite a while. https://t.co/NKdx4m6ouB
— Joe Bartels (@Joe_Bartels) May 15, 2020
The @Lincoln_SO_NV and Emergency Management is reporting some heavy shaking. Hiko, Caliente also report feeling this very big #earthquake pic.twitter.com/l1xeNsC6Y0
— Joe Bartels (@Joe_Bartels) May 15, 2020
At this time, no injuries or damage have been reported.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
