A magnitude 7 earthquake hit off the coast of Petrolia, California, on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 10:44 a.m. PST (18:44 UTC), triggering a tsunami warning for parts of the Pacific Ocean.
The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 0.4 miles (0.6 km) and was centered 39 miles (63 km) northwest of Petrolia, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Reports indicate significant shaking along the California coast, but early assessments suggest limited landslides.
The tsunami warning extends from mid-Oregon to just north of Santa Cruz, encompassing the San Francisco Bay Area. Hazardous tsunami waves could impact coasts within 186 miles (300 km) of the epicenter. Hawaii is not at risk.
USGS officials expect further updates on the quake’s magnitude and impacts as more data becomes available. Residents in affected areas are urged to stay informed and prepared for potential aftershocks or additional updates.
For context on historic quakes and tsunamis, visit our related articles.
