Eureka, Calif. – A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California early Thursday, giving residents in and around Eureka a sharp jolt just before midnight.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake occurred at 3:41 a.m. UTC (8:41 p.m. PDT Wednesday), about 56 kilometers west-northwest of Petrolia at a depth of 10.1 kilometers. The tremor was widely felt across Humboldt County, with light shaking reported in Eureka, Ferndale, and Arcata. No injuries or damage have been reported as of Thursday morning.
The offshore quake was centered near the Mendocino Triple Junction, a seismically active region where three tectonic plates meet. While relatively moderate in size, its shallow depth contributed to noticeable shaking across the coast. The USGS “Did You Feel It?” map shows at least 19 community responses so far.
There is no tsunami warning associated with this event, and the National Tsunami Warning Center continues to monitor for any changes.
Residents are reminded to review earthquake safety plans, secure heavy furniture, and keep emergency kits accessible. Minor aftershocks are possible throughout the day.
Officials say no further alerts are currently expected, but updates will follow if seismic activity increases.
