A powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake shook the northern California coast early this morning, triggering a temporary power outage that affected a significant portion of Humboldt County. Utility crews and local responders reported that more than 64,000 homes experienced outages at the peak, with about 65 percent of households affected as documented in the event log maintained by PowerOutrage. The disruption prompted rapid assessments from energy providers and emergency officials as crews worked to restore service and ensure public safety across the affected communities.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake originated offshore, with the epicenter located off Humboldt County roughly 350 kilometers north of San Francisco. The quake occurred about twelve kilometers west of the town of Ferndale, a community with a population near 15,000, and its offshore position helped shape the observed impacts along the coast and inland areas. Seismic sensors recorded strong ground shaking that residents felt across surrounding towns, prompting immediate reviews of infrastructure resilience and preparedness measures for future events.
As of now, no reports of serious damage or injuries have emerged from early field assessments. Local authorities continue to monitor conditions, coordinate shelter needs if necessary, and verify the integrity of critical facilities. The event underscores the importance of community readiness, including secure locations for emergencies and clear communication channels to disseminate safety guidance to residents and visitors lingering in the region.
The USGS reported that the shaking was recorded at 02:34 am local time (10:34 GMT), with a depth of 16.1 kilometers. The incident was followed by multiple aftershocks, one of which reached magnitude 4.6, prompting continued caution in the hours that followed. Seismologists emphasize that aftershocks can persist for days or longer, and residents are advised to review emergency plans, check on neighbors, and avoid at-risk areas until authorities announce that conditions are stable.
The California Highway Patrol has noted that the initial jolt caused visible damage in certain vehicles and infrastructure. Local media reported cracks appearing in vehicles and on the Ferndale Access Bridge, highlighting the need for ongoing inspections of transportation routes and structural components that support daily life in the recovery period. Engineers and city officials are expected to conduct thorough surveys of bridges, roadways, and utilities to identify any vulnerabilities exposed by the event and to plan timely repairs where needed.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated that no tsunami warnings or advisories related to this earthquake have been issued so far. While coastal residents should remain alert for changing conditions, NOAA’s current assessment helps guide authorities in prioritizing response actions and communicating essential safety information to the public, including evacuation when necessary and guidance on staying away from flood-prone zones or unstable structures.