Earthquakes
Northern California Earthquake Today: 5.0 Recorded Near Petrolia Nov 5
PETROLIA, CA – A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck offshore of Northern California early Thursday, November 5, with the shallow quake centered in the Pacific Ocean west of Humboldt County, according to
By Erin Vale · 2026-11-05T11:13:10.504Z
PETROLIA, CA – A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck offshore of Northern California early Thursday, November 5, with the shallow quake centered in the Pacific Ocean west of Humboldt County, according to earthquake data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
According to the USGS, the earthquake occurred at 4:56 a.m. UTC, equivalent to 8:56 p.m. PST Wednesday, November 4, approximately 114 kilometers, or 71 miles, west of Petrolia, California.
The earthquake was recorded at a depth of approximately 2.1 kilometers, or 1.3 miles, making it a relatively shallow seismic event.
Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Recorded Off Northern California The epicenter was located at approximately 40.425 degrees north latitude and 125.627 degrees west longitude, offshore of California's rugged North Coast.
Petrolia is a small community in Humboldt County, south of Eureka, near a seismically active portion of Northern California.
The USGS classified the earthquake as magnitude 5.0, with the event listed as reviewed in its earthquake reporting system.
Initial earthquake impact estimates showed a green alert under the USGS Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response system, indicating a low likelihood of significant fatalities or economic losses.
Aftershocks Remain Possible The USGS aftershock forecast displayed a 25% probability of at least one magnitude 3 or greater aftershock within the following week.
The probability of a magnitude 4 or greater aftershock was listed at 4%, while the chances of magnitude 5 or stronger aftershocks were below 1%.
These probabilities are forecasts, not guarantees that additional earthquakes will occur.
Residents Encouraged to Monitor Updates The USGS ShakeMap indicated relatively limited estimated shaking impacts, although conditions can vary depending on distance from the epicenter and local geology.
Residents who experienced shaking can submit reports through the USGS "Did You Feel It?" program.
Earthquake magnitudes and impact assessments may be revised as additional seismic data becomes available.