Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge — A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck in the open Atlantic Ocean on Saturday afternoon, the U.S. Geological Survey reports.

What happened: The quake hit at 5:17 PM Central Time, centered in the central Mid-Atlantic Ridge, far from any coastline. It was centered about 10 kilometers below the ocean floor. The USGS lists the quake as reviewed, with a magnitude of 5.9.

Impacts: The quake struck in a remote stretch of ocean, hundreds of miles from the nearest land, so no communities felt strong shaking. The USGS has received no felt reports, and there are no reports of damage. No tsunami was generated. The USGS rates the quake green on its alert scale, meaning little to no damage is expected.

What to do: People in coastal areas should stay alert for aftershocks, which can follow a quake like this. If you feel shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table, and hold on until it stops. After shaking ends, check your surroundings for fallen objects, cracked walls, or gas leaks before moving around, and stay clear of damaged buildings.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), November 7, 2026.