Powerful earthquake triggers tsunami warning in Japan

(CNN, KYMA) - A powerful magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck off Japan's northeastern coast, triggering a tsunami warning.

Officials said a tsunami of nearly 10 feet could hit some coastal areas. A much smaller 16-inch tsunami was already observed.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake struck at 11:15 p.m. Japan Standard Time around 44 miles off the country's coast.

A Japanese official said there had been no reports of abnormalities at two of the country's nuclear power plants.

The official added other nuclear facilities were reportedly being checked.

The worst quake in recent Japanese history was a 9.1-magnitude earthquake in 2011 that triggered a major tsunami and nuclear disaster.