Tsunami Warning Lifted After 7.0 Quake Off California Coast

A tsunami warning that affected large portions of northern California and Oregon, including San Francisco Bay, was lifted just over an hour after a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of California Thursday morning.

The earthquake, which occurred at 10:44 a.m. PST, was located about 60 miles west-southwest of Ferndale, California. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the tremor was a strong one, with a magnitude of 7.0, creating significant concern for coastal areas in the region. This earthquake occurred near the coast, an area known for its seismic activity, causing some to worry about the potential for a tsunami.

At 10:59 a.m. PST, following the earthquake, the National Weather Service’s Tsunami Warning Center issued an official tsunami warning. The warning affected a stretch of coastline from Davenport, California—located about 10 miles northwest of Santa Cruz—up to the Douglas/Lane county line in Oregon, which is approximately 10 miles southwest of Florence. Residents living in the affected coastal areas were urged to evacuate immediately and head to higher ground or further inland. Authorities recommended evacuations as a precautionary measure, in case the earthquake triggered large waves.

The tsunami warning remained in effect for just under an hour, until 11:54 a.m. PST, when the National Weather Service lifted it. The agency declared that “no tsunami danger presently exists” for the coastal regions of California and Oregon. As a result, the threat of dangerous waves hitting the coast was officially canceled, and residents who had evacuated were able to return to their homes.

Despite the initial fears of a tsunami, reports from the affected areas suggested that the situation remained calm. Tsunami activity was forecasted to reach San Francisco at 12:10 p.m. PST, but no significant waves were reported. In Fort Bragg, California, where tsunami activity was predicted to begin at 11:10 a.m., there were no signs of flooding or hazardous conditions, as confirmed by multiple livestreams of the coastal areas. These reports suggested that the earthquake did not trigger the expected tsunami, easing concerns among local communities.

While there were no immediate reports of major damage caused by the earthquake itself, the event was still considered significant by the USGS. The quake’s magnitude and location contributed to moderate to mild shaking in parts of northern California. The earthquake itself was felt in various areas, but it appears to have spared the region from major property damage.

This earthquake occurred in a region that is no stranger to seismic events, and although it didn’t cause widespread destruction, it was still noteworthy in terms of its magnitude and potential impact. Earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.3 and above are classified as “strong earthquakes” by the USGS, and this 7.0 quake easily met that classification.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake was ranked as the most significant earthquake of 2024 by the USGS, based on a combination of factors including its magnitude, the number of people who felt the tremor, and the alert level assigned by the Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) system. The PAGER system issued a yellow alert for the quake, indicating a probability of economic losses of $1 million or more, though initial assessments suggested that the damage would be limited. This alert, although it indicated potential economic losses, did not predict widespread devastation, a positive sign for the region that braced for further damage.

For comparison, the 1994 Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles County, which was slightly weaker at a magnitude of 6.8, had a far more devastating impact. The Northridge earthquake struck the San Fernando Valley, a densely populated area just north of Los Angeles, resulting in at least 57 deaths, thousands of injuries, and billions of dollars in property damage. In contrast, Thursday’s earthquake, while similar in strength, occurred offshore, far from major population centers, which helped prevent the same level of destruction.

The earthquake and subsequent tsunami warning serve as reminders of the seismic risks faced by the West Coast. California, in particular, has long been prone to earthquakes, with some areas also susceptible to tsunamis generated by offshore quakes. The state’s extensive preparedness measures, including evacuation plans, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns, were crucial in minimizing potential harm.

As the region continues to recover from the quake, officials have emphasized the importance of being prepared for seismic events. While Thursday’s earthquake did not lead to a tsunami or widespread destruction, it still serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing seismic activity in the area. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, ensuring that residents and visitors are informed and prepared for any future developments.

In summary, the tsunami warning that was issued for coastal areas of northern California and Oregon after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on Thursday morning was ultimately canceled, with no significant tsunami activity reported. The earthquake, which struck offshore, caused only moderate shaking and did not result in major damage. While it did generate economic loss estimates, it was a reminder of the region’s ongoing vulnerability to seismic events and the importance of preparedness. The event was ranked as one of the most significant earthquakes of 2024, highlighting the potential for future risks in this seismically active region.