A strong earthquake hit northeastern Japan on Friday. (WRDW-TV)

Friday, Dec. 7, 2012

TOKYO (AP) -- A strong earthquake has jolted northeastern Japan and authorities have issued a warning of a possible tsunami.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says the earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.3 struck in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Miyagi prefecture at 5:18 p.m. (0818 GMT) Friday. The epicenter was 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) beneath the seabed.

The warning said the tsunami could be as high as 2 meters (2.19 yards).

Buildings in Tokyo swayed for at least several minutes.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)