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7.0 Magnitude Earthquake Reported Off Northern California Coast, Tsunami Warning Canceled
Friday, December 6, 2024 - 3:26 AM
A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Northern California's Humboldt County, with the epicenter located off the coast near Petrolia, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Initially reported as a 6.6 magnitude quake, it was later upgraded by USGS.
The National Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas in California and Oregon, including San Francisco, but it was canceled just before noon local time. "The tsunami warning is canceled for the coastal areas of California and Oregon," the center stated on X (formerly Twitter).
At least 5.3 million people were under the tsunami warning, while 1.3 million were close enough to potentially feel the quake, according to the USGS. The earthquake was categorized as "primarily strike-slip," meaning tectonic plates moved horizontally rather than vertically, reducing the likelihood of a tsunami.
Details of the Event:
Time of the earthquake: 10:44 AM local time.
Subsequent earthquakes: Aftershocks included a 5.0 magnitude near Ferndale and a 4.2 magnitude near Petrolia.
Shake alerts: The USGS's earthquake early warning system delivered alerts as far north as Lincoln City, Oregon, and as far south as Salinas, California.
Caroline Titus, a former publisher in Ferndale, described experiencing the intense quake firsthand. Residents in San Francisco reported feeling a rolling motion lasting several seconds.
As of Thursday afternoon, at least 40 aftershocks had been recorded. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
For preparedness tips, the USGS advises putting together an earthquake emergency kit.
