A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Humboldt County in Northern California on Thursday morning, triggering a tsunami warning for part of the North Coast, which was later lifted.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake occurred at 10:44 a.m. Pacific Time, west of Petrolia, California, in the Pacific Ocean.
Following the tremor, a tsunami warning was issued for areas within 45 miles southwest of Eureka, California, but was canceled around noon by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Initially recorded as a 6.6-magnitude quake, the USGS revised the magnitude to 7.0.
The epicenter was located near the triple junction where the Pacific, North American, and Juan de Fuca tectonic plates meet. This quake was one of the largest recorded in California in recent years.
Just minutes after the main earthquake, a significant aftershock struck near Cobb, California, in Lake County. The aftershock was initially registered as a 5.8 magnitude but was later downgraded to a 4.1. Several aftershocks followed, ranging in magnitude from 2.5 to 4.2.
Shaking from the earthquake was felt across Northern California, including in the Central Valley. Coastal areas were evacuated as a precaution against the tsunami. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office urged residents in tsunami-prone zones to move to higher ground. Authorities in San Mateo County also issued warnings, advising people to avoid beaches and the coastline.
Bay Area Rapid Transit service through the Transbay Tube was briefly suspended but has since resumed. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office reported that he was briefed on the situation and met with state emergency officials.
The California Office of Emergency Services activated its operations center in response to the incident. Newsom later issued an emergency proclamation, which unlocks resources and funding for first responders and helps manage the state’s response efforts.
In a statement, Newsom expressed his gratitude for the state’s emergency system, which he said worked as intended, keeping residents informed and safe during the crisis.
