Northern California was rocked Thursday morning by a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake, triggering widespread panic and a tsunami warning for coastal areas spanning over 600 miles along the West Coast. The quake, which struck at 10:44 a.m. local time near Petrolia in Humboldt County, sent shockwaves as far as the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area.
Initially reported as a 6.6-magnitude tremor, the earthquake was later upgraded to 7.0 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), intensifying concerns about its potential impact. Minutes after the main shock, an aftershock of 5.8 magnitude was recorded near Cobb, California, followed by smaller tremors across the region.
The National Tsunami Warning Center issued a warning for coastal regions from Davenport, California, to Florence, Oregon. Major cities like San Francisco and Crescent City were urged to evacuate. “Move to high ground or inland immediately,” warned the National Weather Service. The advisory cited the risk of “widespread flooding,” urging residents to take evacuation orders seriously.
Residents reported intense shaking, with Humboldt County experiencing the strongest impacts. “It felt like the entire house was being uprooted,” said one Eureka resident. Emergency responders are already assessing damage, though no fatalities or significant injuries have been reported yet.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Office of Emergency Services is coordinating relief efforts. “Follow local guidance and stay safe,” Newsom emphasized in a public statement. The state has dispatched teams to monitor infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and power lines.
The earthquake’s epicenter lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone notorious for seismic and volcanic activity. The region around Petrolia has a history of significant earthquakes, but the magnitude of Thursday’s quake underscores the risks faced by communities along California’s coastline.
As evacuation efforts continue, residents remain on edge, preparing for the potential tsunami waves predicted to impact low-lying areas. The National Weather Service has warned that even minor tsunamis can cause dangerous flooding and currents. Coastal communities are bracing for what could be a long day of uncertainty and vigilance.