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6.5 magnitude earthquake strikes western Nevada, cracks Vegas-to-Reno highway

"It’s a pretty good-sized quake," a U.S. Geological Survey scientist said. The temblor struck 4.7 miles deep, causing at least six aftershocks, including two with a magnitude of 5.4.
Image: A crack across the roadway is seen as Nevada Department of Transportation worker Jarrid Summerfelt repairs damage to U.S. Highway 95 after a strong earthquake struck near Tonopah
A crack across the roadway as Nevada Department of Transportation worker Jarrid Summerfelt repairs damage to U.S. Highway 95 after a strong earthquake struck near Tonopah, Nevada on May 15, 2020.David Becker / Reuters

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck a remote part of western Nevada early Friday morning, damaging the main highway between Las Vegas and Reno.

The temblor occurred around 4 a.m. near the California border, in an isolated part of Nevada near Tonopah, about 120 miles southeast of Carson City and midway between Reno and Las Vegas, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The initial quake struck about 4.7 miles deep, the USGS said, causing at least six aftershocks, including two with a magnitude of around 5.4.

Image: Nevada earthquake
This photo provided by the Nevada Highway Patrol shows earthquake damage that has U.S. Highway 95 closed for repairs after a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck early Friday, May 15, 2020 in a remote area west of Tonopah.Nevada Highway Patrol via AP)

"It’s a pretty good-sized quake," USGS geophysicist Randy Baldwin told NBC News on Friday morning. "It’s a pretty remote area, but it’s an active area. There are faults criss-crossing this entire area."

No injuries were reported, but Nevada Highway Patrol photos revealed cracks on U.S. 95 that Trooper Hannah DeGoey said were caused by the earthquake. DeGoey said crews are working to reopen the highway.

The quake was felt by people from Salt Lake City to California's Central Valley.

Lance Cardoza, of Fresno, California, said he felt the quake 12 floors up, and posted a video online of his chandelier swinging from the shaking.

"It shook, but it wasn't that much," Nye County Sheriff's Capt. David Boruchowitz said. He reported no damage at the Mizpah Hotel and Clown Motel, two landmark businesses in Tonopah, a historic mining town.

In Sparks, Nevada, a resident posted a video of pots and pans swaying in the quake.