URGENT: PRELIMINARY MAGNITUDE 8.0 EARTHQUAKE NEAR CAYMAN ISLANDS - TSUNAMI ADVISORIES GOING OUT - GULF OF AMERICA

A ferociously strong Earthquake of Magnitude 8.0 (Preliminary analysis) has struck in the Caribbean Sea near the Cayman Islands.  TSUNAMI ADVISORIES are going out the Florida and the entire Gulf Coastline, in addition to Jamaica, Haiti and points in South America.

6:48 PM EST --

Authorities are urging residents to seek higher ground immediately as officials assess the potential impact on the U.S. mainland. The situation is rapidly evolving, and emergency teams are monitoring for aftershocks. 

From the National Tsunami Warning Center:

WEXX32 PAAQ 082332
TIBATE

Tsunami Information Statement Number 1
NWS National Tsunami Warning Center Palmer AK
732 PM AST Sat Feb 8 2025

...THIS IS A TSUNAMI INFORMATION STATEMENT FOR THE U.S. EAST COAST,
   GULF OF MEXICO STATES, AND EASTERN CANADA...

EVALUATION
----------
 * Earthquakes of this size are known to generate tsunamis 
   potentially dangerous to coasts outside the source region. 

 * The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center is analyzing 
   the event to determine the level of danger. 

 * More information will be issued as it becomes available. 

 * This earthquake has the potential to generate a destructive 
   tsunami in the source region. 


PRELIMINARY EARTHQUAKE PARAMETERS
---------------------------------

 * The following parameters are based on a rapid preliminary
   assessment of the earthquake and changes may occur.

 * Magnitude      8.0
 * Origin Time    1823  EST Feb 08 2025
                  0723  AST Feb 08 2025
                  1723  CST Feb 08 2025
                  2323  UTC Feb 08 2025
 * Coordinates    17.8 North 82.5 West
 * Depth          21 miles
 * Location       in the Caribbean Sea


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND NEXT UPDATE
--------------------------------------
 * Refer to the internet site tsunami.gov for more information. 

 * Caribbean coastal regions should refer to the Pacific 
   Tsunami Warning Center messages at tsunami.gov. 

 * Messages will be issued hourly to keep you informed of the 
   progress of this event. 

$$

7:04 PM EST --