Large Earthquake Damages Downtown Cushing, Rattles Residents Across The State

Sunday, November 6th 2016, 9:03 pm

By: LeighAnne Manwarren

An earthquake rattled residents Sunday night all over the state of Oklahoma and caused "significant damage" to downtown Cushing.

The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported the quake as a 5.3 magnitude but downgraded it to a 5.0 magnitude.

The earthquake happened at 7:44 p.m. Its epicenter was reported about one mile west of Cushing, 16 miles east, southeast of Stillwater and 53 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. The earthquake was less than four miles deep.

The Cushing Fire Department told News 9 no one has been taken to the hospital due to injuries at this time, but downtown Cushing suffered "significant damage."

The state emergency management office said there has been major damage reported at a senior living apartment complex in Cushing.

The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Cushing Youth Center, 7 S Little Ave., for anyone displaced by the earthquake damage. They are supplying cots, blankets and food.

Cushing Schools canceled Monday classes to assess earthquake damage and to ensure the safety of its students. Faculty and staff have been asked to check with building principals for instructions.

Cushing police evacuated the downtown area due to reports of gas line leaks and infrastructure checks. City officials said the leaks have been contained.

City officials asked Oklahomans to not go into the downtown area until the damage has been surveyed and the area is deemed safe.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission and Oklahoma Geological Survey are working to evaluate the earthquake and assess the infrastructure.

The pipeline operators in the Cushing oil storage terminal under state jurisdiction said there have been no immediate reports of any problems.

Cushing residents were without power for about two hours after the quake. Power has since been restored.

Nearly the exact same area also experienced 2.6 magnitude aftershock around 10:30 p.m. At about 1:30 a.m., a 3.8 magnitude quake struck about 15 miles southeast of Waynoka in northwest Oklahoma.

The Cushing Senior Citizens Center, Cushing Public Library and the Cushing Youth Center will be closed Monday as crews work to repair and clean up damages caused by yesterday's earthquake.

Stay with News 9 and News9.com for more information as it becomes available.