USGS says an earthquake alert urging people to take cover was actually a false alarm.

 An alert warning of a significant earthquake in western Nevada was mistakenly issued on Thursday, Dec. 4, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The notice claimed a magnitude 5.9 quake had hit near Dayton, Nevada. Although the report was quickly removed from the USGS map, the alert still reached people as far away as San Francisco, prompting some to take cover.

The USGS later confirmed the error on X, writing, “There was no M5.9 earthquake near Carson City, NV,” and added that it is “currently looking into why the alerts were issued.”

Officials in Lyon County — where the quake was initially reported — said there was “no hazard to the public” and urged residents not to call 911.

This story is developing.

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