Earthquake Strikes Northern California

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake rattled Northern California on Thursday morning, waking residents across the region. The quake was centered near Boulder Creek, California, in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Widespread Shaking and Alerts

Shaking was reported in numerous cities, including Monterey, Oakland, Redwood City, San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Cruz. Residents in these areas also received earthquake alerts on their mobile devices.

Magnitude Adjustments

The earthquake’s magnitude was initially reported as 5.1, then revised to 4.9, and subsequently adjusted again to 4.6 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Reports from Residents and First Responders

Residents took to social media to share their experiences. One resident commented, “Still, thankfully not anywhere near the intensity of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. This felt somewhat stronger, but still rather mild. Thankful all is well.”

Multiple first responders from the affected area also posted updates on social media, confirming no reports of significant damage.

California’s Earthquake Prone Region

Northern California is situated along the San Andreas Fault, making it a region prone to frequent earthquakes. The USGS stated that residents near the epicenter in Boulder Creek could expect aftershocks in the coming days.

Potential Aftershocks

The USGS predicts, “There will likely be smaller aftershocks within the next week, with up to 9 magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks.” They added that magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks are large enough to be felt nearby and that the frequency of aftershocks will decrease over time, though a larger aftershock could temporarily increase their number.