A very strong earthquake has rumbled across the ocean floor in waters north of Brazil, according to the U.S. Geological survey.

The quake, which was assigned a preliminary magnitude of 6.8, occurred about 11:40 p.m. Hawai'i time Thursday night.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage associated with the quake, which was centered about 950 miles north-northeast of Brazil.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in 'Ewa Beach sent out an advisory notice saying the quake did not appear to have triggered a widespread tsunami, but was strong enough to create the small possibility of a local tsunami that could affect coastal areas usually no more than 62 miles from the earthquake epicenter.