A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California near Petrolia, Humboldt County, on Thursday morning, triggering a rare tsunami warning that was later canceled. The quake, one of the strongest in the region since 2005, occurred at 10:44 a.m. Pacific Time, approximately 60 miles offshore of Ferndale, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Initially, a tsunami warning was issued for coastal areas stretching from Davenport, California, to the Douglas/Lane Line in Oregon, which includes San Francisco Bay. The warning prompted widespread alerts and evacuation orders in vulnerable areas like West Berkeley, where residents west of 7th Street were told to leave the tsunami zone immediately.
Emergency management in San Francisco also warned residents near the coast, stating, “You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters.” The Bay Area Rapid Transportation (BART) briefly halted its Transbay Tube service as a precaution. Fortunately, the tsunami warning was canceled just before noon, with the National Tsunami Warning Center confirming, “No tsunami danger presently exists for this area.”
The earthquake triggered a sequence of aftershocks, the largest initially reported as a 5.8 magnitude but later revised to 4.1 by the USGS. Officials anticipate ongoing seismic activity, with a 34% chance of a magnitude 5 or greater earthquake within the next week. The region has already experienced at least ten aftershocks of varying magnitudes.
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| A shakemap by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) showing the location of a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hitting off the coast of Cape Mendocino, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2024. |
USGS Shake Alerts effectively warned more than 500,000 residents across California and Oregon, with notifications extending as far north as Lincoln City, Oregon, and as far south as Salinas, California. The system performed as designed, providing critical seconds for people to seek cover.
Although the earthquake was categorized as “strong,” there were no immediate reports of structural damage, landslides, or injuries in the affected areas. However, officials cautioned residents to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the Office of Emergency Services is actively monitoring the situation and responding as needed. Residents in the quake zone were urged to check their emergency supplies and follow instructions from local authorities.
“Californians should always be prepared for the possibility of aftershocks following significant seismic activity,” Governor Newsom wrote on social media.