Northern California residents were shaken Thursday by a strong earthquake that led to a widespread tsunami warning, urging coastal communities to evacuate to higher ground.
At 10:44 a.m., a significant earthquake struck west of Ferndale in coastal Humboldt County near the Oregon border, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The quake, felt across Northern California, reached as far south as San Francisco, where residents described several seconds of rolling motion. The initial tremor was followed by a series of smaller aftershocks.
Tsunami Warning Issued
The National Weather Service promptly issued a tsunami warning across the region, cautioning residents with this alert:
“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.”
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and communities near the coast were advised to act immediately to avoid potential hazards.
Transportation Disruptions and Evacuations
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) halted traffic in all directions through the transbay tube between San Francisco and Oakland as a precaution.
The San Francisco Zoo took swift action, evacuating visitors and moving staff to higher ground. The zoo assured the public on the social media platform X that animals were secured during the incident.
Preparedness in Action
This earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the seismic activity Northern California is known for and the necessity of disaster preparedness. Residents and visitors in the affected areas are urged to follow updates from local authorities and stay away from coastal regions until further notice.
