Tom & Cathy's Earthquake Photos

Last Updated February 28th, 2001

February 28, 2001. At 10:55 this morning, we noticed the house shaking and quickly realized we were in the midst of an earthquake. The shaking was unmistakable and quickly surpassed earthquakes we had previously experienced. As the shaking grew stronger, the novelty of an earthquake wore off as we became aware of the threat of real damage. Fortunately, we sustained no significant damage, but found lots of things in the house disturbed. Early reports on KIRO 7, CNN and NPR estimate a magnitude of 6.2 to 7.0 apparently centered in the Puget Sound area, but felt as far away as Portland and Salt Lake City.

In case there was any doubt about when the earthquake hit, the grandfather clock conveniently stopped during the shaking.

The shaking knocked over a pile of magazines and spilled chess pieces all over the floor.

Lots of drawers in the house wiggled open.

The lamp on our headboard walked over and dangled its toes over the edge.

After the 20 foot fall,
all the kings horses and all the kings men
couldn't put Cathy's Itty Bitty Book Light back together again.