Earthquake off California sparks tsunami warning
A tsunami warning was issued Thursday for the coast of Oregon and Northern California, according to the National Weather Service’s (NWS) tsunami tracking site.
The weather service issued an update around 2:30 p.m. EST saying the tsunami threat had passed, less than an hour after the earthquake hit.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake struck in Northern California, west of the small city of Ferndale near the Oregon border, The Associated Press reported.
The earthquake, which the U.S. Geological Survey originally said had a magnitude of 6.6 but was later changed to 7.0, was reportedly felt near the Bay Area, as reported by KRON4, a San Francisco local news and weather station.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) press office said on the social platform X that the governor was briefed on the earthquakes and the tsunami warning, and that his Office of Emergency Services is activated.
“@CAgovernor is now meeting with state emergency officials and working to ensure Californians are safe. The @Cal_OES State Operations Center is activated to coordinate response,” read the post at 2:25 EST.
The San Francisco Fire Department posted a warning Thursday on X.
“Earthquake! Watch out for broken glass and fallen items. Seek shelter and be prepared for more shaking from aftershocks. Check in with family as able. Evacuate if you smell gas, see smoke or fire,” the post read.
The San Francisco Zoo and Gardens also made a post on X on Thursday announcing that the zoo has closed.
“The Zoo has closed due to national weather emergency and tsunami warning. Guests have been evacuated, animals secured and staff have moved to higher ground,” the post read.
Updated at 2:55 EST
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