Magnitude 7.8 earthquake strikes Caribbean, tsunami advisory in effect for Puerto Rico: USGS

U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Location of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the Caribbean on Jan 9, 2018

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.8 struck the Caribbean Tuesday evening, according to the United States Geological Survey.

A tsunami advisory was in effect for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

“A tsunami advisory is issued when a tsunami with the potential to generate strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is imminent, expected, or occurring,” according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Tsunami waves reaching 0.3 to 1 meter above the tide level were possible, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

The USGS said that hazardous tsunami waves were “possible” for coasts located within 1,000 kilometers of the earthquake epicenter — which includes coasts of Jamaica, Mexico, Honduras, Cuba, Belize, Costa Rica and more.

The earthquake rattled windows in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa roughly 323 miles to the east, but no damage was immediately reported.

It was also lightly felt in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo north of Honduras, according to Mexico’s civil protection director.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

—CNBC’s Ted Kemp and Reuters contributed to this report.