NEWPORT - Seismic monitors registered a 3.9 magnitude earthquake shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday. According to the U.S. Geological Service Web site, based in a Pasadena, Calif., office, the quake was located 12 miles west northwest of Newport.

A quake of such a light magnitude is expected to create some shaking, but little damage, the USGS says.

Wednesday's quake is the second off the Newport coast this month, according to the Pacific Northwest Seismograph Network Web site. An Aug. 10 quake 15 miles from Newport registered at a 1.5 magnitude.

The Portland area experienced a 2.6 magnitude quake at 9:17 a.m. Tuesday, according to the same Web site.

The Gazette-Times received two telephone inquiries about the quake shortly after it occurred.