A powerful earthquake struck Northern California on Thursday, with the epicenter located just off the coast near Fortuna, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Initially measured at a magnitude of 6.6, the quake was later upgraded to 7.0.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami warning following the earthquake, spanning from Davenport, California, to the Douglas County/Lane County line in Oregon.
Notable quake, preliminary info: M 6.6 – 63 km WNW of Petrolia, CA https://t.co/ZEcQXAqpAk
— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) December 5, 2024
The warning affects over 5.3 million California residents, including those in the San Francisco Bay Area, as reported by ABC7.
Residents received emergency alerts on their phones, warning of the potential danger:
“A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return.”
The warning underscores the risk of significant inundation from tsunami waves, which can pose a threat for hours after their initial arrival.
The San Francisco Bay Area, included in the warning zone, has experienced