2 dead, thousands without power after magnitude 6.4 earthquake shakes Northern California
The earthquake was centered about 7.5 miles west-southwest of Ferndale at 2:34 a.m. PST. Humboldt County officials said widespread damage to roads and homes had been reported throughout the county.
6.4 magnitude earthquake in California leaves 2 dead, aftershocks reported
Geologist at San Diego State University Dr. Pat Abbott says Tuesday’s earthquake that rocked the area of Ferndale is not a rare event due to the proximity to faults. Abbott tells FOX Weather that aftershocks in the 5.0 magnitude range will be likely in the coming days.
FERNDALE, Calif. – A magnitude 6.4 earthquake rocked Northern California early Tuesday morning, killing two people and injuring at least 11 others, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.
Northern California earthquake 'rather violent': CAL FIRE
Fire Captain Specialist with CAL FIRE Tran Beyea felt an ‘immediate jolt’ with a magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck Northern California. Beyea describes Tuesday’s earthquake as significantly more violent than a magnitude 6.2 earthquake that hit The Golden State one year ago. Houses have been knocked off their foundations in Rio Dell.
More than 70,000 electricity customers lost power near the epicenter.
Damage to Ferndale, California bridge after 6.4 earthquake on Dec. 20, 2022.
(CalTrans / FOX Weather)
The earthquake was centered about 7.5 miles west-southwest of Ferndale at 2:34 a.m. PST. Humboldt County officials said widespread damage to roads and homes had been reported throughout the county.
Magnitude 6.4 earthquake rattles Northern California
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake rocked Northern California early Tuesday morning, with power outages reported near the epicenter.
"It was pretty violent," Ferndale resident Caroline Titus said. "Very aware that it was a north-south shaking. Went on for quite a bit … it was definitely one to get your attention."
More than three dozen aftershocks have been reported, including a magnitude 4.6 quake about five minutes after the initial temblor. The U.S. Geological Survey noted the chance of more aftershocks within the next week is high. The agency said there is a 96% chance of magnitude 3 and above aftershocks through Dec. 27, and it is most likely that up to 68 of these will occur.
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake was centered about 7.5 miles west-southwest of Ferndale, California, about 2:34 a.m. PST Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022.
(FOX Weather)
According to PowerOutage. US, some 71,000 people were without power as of 6 a.m. PST in Humboldt County, California, where the earthquake was centered.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this quake, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services said.
State Sen. Mike McGuire said the Fernbridge on State Route 211, connecting Ferndale near Loleta, will be closed for further inspection out of an abundance of caution after cracks were reported. Assessment of state highway infrastructure will continue through the morning by CalTrans.
'It was pretty violent': Resident describes what strong earthquake felt like in Northern CA
Ferndale, California resident Caroline Titus says the magnitude 6.4 earthquake that rattled Northern California was "pretty violent."
California is no stranger to earthquakes. Ironically, a magnitude 6.2 quake happened one year ago today near the same location in Humboldt County where shockwaves were sent around the county, causing minor rockslides and broken windows.