HUMBOLDT COUNTY – A large earthquake struck off the coast of Humboldt County Thursday morning, prompting a tsunami warning for part of the north coast.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred around 10:44 a.m. west of Petrolia, California, in the Pacific Ocean. Shortly afterwards, a tsunami warning was issued for 45 miles southwest of Eureka.
According to NOAA’s U.S. Tsunami Warning System, the Tsunami Warning expired around noon.
USGS
The earthquake was the first provisionally registered with a magnitude of 6.6, but USGS updated it to 7.0.
According to the USGS, a significant apparent aftershock that registered as a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck near Cobb, California in Lake County minutes later.
Some other apparent aftershocks were also recorded minutes after the 7.0, all with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 4.2.
Residents along the Northern California coast, as well as in the Central Valley, reported shaking.
Tsunami evacuation orders
Coastal residents along the north coast were told to move to higher ground due to the tsunami warning.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said residents of coastal areas in the tsunami zone should evacuate immediately.
San Mateo County authorities noted that the tsunami warning extends to their area as well. People are urged to avoid beaches and coastlines as the arrival of the tsunami is expected at 12:10 p.m.
Bay Area Rapid Transit service via the Transbay Tube has been halted due to the major earthquake. It is unclear when the service will reopen.
Emergency operations center activated
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office says he has been informed of the earthquake and tsunami warning.
The governor is now meeting with state emergency officials, his office says, and the California Office of Emergency Services operations center has been activated.
