“Tsunami Warning Downgraded for U.S. West Coast After Powerful 7.0 Earthquake”

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Tsunami Warning Lifted for U.S. West Coast After 7.0-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Northern California

A tsunami warning issued for the U.S. West Coast was canceled after a powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Northern California on Thursday morning. The quake, which hit at 10:44 a.m. near Ferndale in Humboldt County, was felt as far south as San Francisco, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Earthquake Details and Impact

The epicenter was located west of Ferndale, a small coastal city near the Oregon border. While the quake prompted initial concerns of a tsunami, the National Weather Service (NWS) later rescinded the warning, citing no significant threats.

Residents across the region reported feeling a strong, rolling motion that lasted for several seconds. In San Francisco, the tremors caused minor disruptions, while smaller aftershocks followed the main quake. The USGS issued a “yellow alert,” predicting minimal localized damage, though no reports of major injuries or destruction have surfaced.

Community Reactions and Evacuations

The quake triggered precautionary evacuations in multiple cities along the coastline. Residents were urged to move to higher ground or head inland as emergency services assessed potential damage.

In Ferndale, Julie Kreitzer, owner of the Golden Gait Mercantile, described the chaos in her store:

“It was a strong quake; our building shook. We lost a lot of inventory—probably worse than two years ago. I have a mess to clean up but need to salvage what I can before the holidays because it’s going to be a tough year.”

Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel confirmed that emergency crews were actively assessing damages but stated there were no immediate reports of major incidents. Recalling the moments during the quake, Bergel, who works at a middle school, noted, “The kids were terrified, but they did so well. Lights were swaying, and everyone got under desks. Some children asked if they could call their parents.”

Regional Disruptions

The earthquake caused temporary disruptions across the region. The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) halted service in all directions through its underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland as a safety precaution.

The San Francisco Zoo evacuated visitors following the tremors. According to the zoo, all animals were secured, and staff moved to higher ground as a precautionary measure.

Tsunami Warning Issued and Canceled

Shortly after the earthquake, phones across Northern California buzzed with alerts from the NWS warning of potential tsunami waves. The alert advised residents to move away from coastal waters and seek higher ground. However, the warning was canceled hours later, allowing coastal residents to return to their homes.

Summary

Despite the magnitude of the quake and the initial tsunami warning, the region avoided significant damage or casualties. However, residents remain shaken by the experience. As cleanup efforts begin, many are thankful the outcome wasn’t more severe.

This earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.