Wash. Earthquake Warning System Launches With Limitations Washington is rolling out technology that will send residents a warning about earthquakes up to a minute before impact, but the warnings may not reach everyone until the state invests more in the notification system. May 03, 2021 • Shutterstock (TNS) — One of the most terrifying things about earthquakes is the way they strike without warning. That's going to change just a tiny bit in Washington beginning Tuesday. For the first time, residents will be able to get alerts on their cellphones seconds before the ground under their feet starts shaking — enough time, hopefully, to get to a safe spot and avoid injury.