7.0 earthquake hits Northern California, prompting tsunami warning for large coastal area
SUMMARY
Northern California experienced a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake Thursday morning off the coast of Humboldt County, triggering a tsunami warning along the coast from Oregon to just north of Santa Cruz. The quake occurred at 10:44 a.m., approximately 70 miles offshore from Eureka and 26 miles west of Petrolia. Officials warned of possible coastal flooding and dangerous currents for several hours after the initial wave. A smaller aftershock of 5.8 magnitude was recorded near Cobb, California, later in the morning. Both quakes were felt across the region, with strong shaking reported in Eureka that could have caused furniture movement and minor structural damage, though no major damage was immediately reported. The earthquake struck at a depth of 6.2 miles. Residents are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS and stay informed through official updates. Tsunami warnings remain in effect, and preparedness is advised for coastal communities.
