On Wednesday, a series of earthquakes rocked California, including a large and shallow earthquake that triggered a tsunami warning and mandatory evacuations for hundreds of miles down the coast.
Following an initial preliminary magnitude 7.3 quake around 60 miles off the coast, residents were instructed to evacuate and go inland.
The National Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning off the northern coast of California, with areas of Oregon also affected.
Reports warned of significant coastal flooding and strong currents.
However, the warning was withdrawn after ocean buoys detected no strong waves, and no tsunami or injuries were reported.
Following the big magnitude 7 earthquake, CBS Bay Area reported 11 aftershocks.
The huge earthquake’s epicenter was around 45 miles southwest of Eureka, at a shallow depth of eight miles.
Humboldt County experienced another preliminary 6.0 magnitude earthquake, while Cobb, Lake County, registered a preliminary 5.8 magnitude earthquake.
The US Geological Survey reports that the Humboldt County earthquake occurred at 10:44 a.m. local time and affected much of the state, including the Bay Area.
The tremors caused chaos in San Francisco, with BART trains suspended and the Transbay Tube under the San Francisco Bay shuttered, according to officials.
Three minutes later, a 5.8 earthquake struck 150 miles away, just north of Santa Rosa.
Just before 12 p.m. local time, the US National Tsunami Warning Center canceled the tsunami warning for coastal California and Oregon.
However, evacuation orders remain in force in low-lying areas while officials watch the situation.
Towns and cities along the Northern California coast and in the Central Valley reported feeling the earthquakes.
Inspectors evacuated schools while they checked for structural safety.
The city of Berkeley issued an evacuation order in response to the tsunami threat.
“People in the tsunami zone are in IMMEDIATE DANGER and MUST EVACUATE NOW,” the City of Berkeley said in a statement on Twitter.
“Stay east of 7th Street. This is a lawful order to leave now.”
Magnitude 7 earthquake strikes California
A tsunami warning and evacuations were issued following a magnitude 7 earthquake in Northern California. Authorities encouraged residents to evacuate their homes and steer clear of the water.
Here’s what the USGS says about how frequently earthquakes of that magnitude occur in the United States:
An average of 16 significant earthquakes occur worldwide each year, with 15 of magnitude 7.0 and one of magnitude 8.0 or greater.
According to the United States Geological Survey, there are typically 63 earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 5.0 to 5.9 each year.
About five fall between 6.0 and 6.9, while less than one falls between 7.0 and 7.9.
We have also evacuated the San Francisco Zoo, secured the animals, and instructed the workers to move to higher ground.
A video of produce shaking inside a grocery store in Davis, California, went viral online.
Two major earthquakes already struck Northern California in late 2022.
In December, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake slammed the Eureka area, killing at least two individuals and leaving tens of thousands without power.
Less than two weeks later, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck around 30 miles south of Eureka.