HUMBOLDT COUNTY – A large earthquake struck off the coast of Humboldt County Thursday morning, triggering a tsunami warning for part of the northern coast.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred around 10:44 a.m. west of Petrolia, California, in the Pacific Ocean. A tsunami warning was issued for an area 45 miles southwest of Eureka.
USGS
The earthquake was the first previously recorded as having a magnitude of 6.6, but the USGS updated it to 7.0.
A large apparent aftershock, recorded as a magnitude 5.8 earthquake, struck minutes later near Cobb, California, in Lake County, according to the USGS.
Several other apparent aftershocks were also recorded within minutes of 7.0, all with magnitudes between 2.5 and 4.2.
Residents along the Northern California coast, as well as the Central Valley, reported feeling tremors.
Evacuation orders following the tsunami
Residents on the north coast must move to higher ground due to the tsunami warning.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said residents in coastal areas of the tsunami zone should evacuate immediately.
San Mateo County officials said the tsunami warning extended to their area. People are urged to avoid beaches and coasts, with the tsunami expected to arrive at 12:10 p.m.
Bay Area Rapid Transit service via the Transbay Tube was interrupted due to the large earthquake. It is not known when the service will reopen.
Emergency Operations Center activated
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said it had been informed of the earthquake and tsunami warning.
The governor is currently meeting with state emergency officials, his office said, and the California Office of Emergency Services operations center has been activated.
