HUMBOLDT COUNTY, CA — A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck off the coast of Humboldt County, California, on Thursday morning, briefly triggering a tsunami warning for parts of the North Coast. The warning, which was issued shortly after the quake, has since expired
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the earthquake occurred at 10:44 a.m., west of Petrolia, California, near the Pacific Ocean’s triple junction where the Pacific, North American, and Juan de Fuca tectonic plates meet. Initially reported as a 6.6-magnitude event, the USGS later updated it to 7.0.
A 7.0 earthquake struck of the coast of California on Thursday morning, Dec. 5, triggering a Tsunami warning.
(Credit:US Geological Survey)
Several aftershocks followed, including a significant 5.8-magnitude tremor near Cobb, California, in Lake County. Other aftershocks ranged in magnitude from 2.5 to 4.2. Shaking was felt throughout Northern California, reaching into the Central Valley.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami warning for a 45-mile radius southwest of Eureka. Coastal residents in the tsunami zone were ordered to evacuate to higher ground. The warning was lifted around noon.
Authorities in San Mateo County extended the alert to their area, urging residents to avoid beaches and coastline.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) briefly halted service through the Transbay Tube as a precaution but resumed operations later in the day.
While the situation caused disruption and prompted emergency responses, no major damage or injuries have been reported at this time.
California's Governor Gavin Newsome was briefed on the situation. The Office of the Governor said he is now meeting with state emergency officials and the California Office of Emergency Services operations center has been activated.
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