Major magnitude 7.1 earthquake shakes in Venezuela, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands under tsunami advisory

A major 7.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in Venezuela on Wednesday, triggering tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said that the earthquake struck at 6:04 p.m. ET near the coast of Venezuela, about 17.4 miles northwest of Montalbán at a depth of 8.1 miles.

The shake occurred near the coast of Venezuela and triggered tsunami advisories.

The National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center warned that there is a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents that could be hazardous along coasts and beaches.

According to NWS tsunami forecasts, wave heights affecting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are expected to remain below 1 foot.

The NWS estimated that the impacts in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands will be felt around 7:19 p.m. ET, with warnings that the conditions could persist for hours longer.

This is a developing story. Check back with FOX Weather for the latest.