The U.S. Geological Survey briefly issued a tsunami alert tonight for the West Coast from Alaska to the Mexican border following a 7.4 earthquake that struck 90 miles northwest of Eureka, Calif.

The agency warned those in low-lying coastal areas to be alert for emergency warnings from local officials. Crescent City residents near the beach were evacuated. But the alert was canceled about an hour after it was issued.

The quake occurred at 7:50 p.m. Pacific time 83 miles west of Trinidad, Calif. The depth of the quake was estimated at 25 miles.