Petrolia, Calif. – A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck 37 kilometers west of Petrolia just before 11 p.m. Friday, briefly shaking parts of Northern California’s coastal region.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremor hit at 10:51 p.m. PDT (05:51 UTC Saturday) at a depth of approximately 0.1 kilometers offshore. Two residents reported feeling light shaking, though no damage or injuries were immediately noted.
Centered off the Humboldt County coast, the quake occurred in a seismically active region near the Mendocino Triple Junction — where the Pacific, North American, and Gorda plates meet. While minor in scale, quakes in this zone can often be precursors to more substantial seismic activity.
Local emergency management officials have not issued any warnings or advisories, but residents are encouraged to review earthquake safety protocols, including securing heavy furniture and having a disaster kit ready.
This is the second offshore tremor reported in the area this month. USGS monitoring will continue, and updates will follow if aftershocks or stronger seismic activity are detected.
