San Jose, Calif. – Two small earthquakes shook parts of California this afternoon, with tremors recorded in both Central and Northern California. A magnitude 2.6 quake struck about 3 kilometers west-northwest of Pinnacles around 10:31 a.m. local time, followed by a 2.9 magnitude event near Willow Creek just before noon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Both quakes were classified as minor, and no damage or injuries were reported as of late Tuesday. The first, centered near Pinnacles National Park in San Benito County, occurred at a shallow depth of about 5.5 kilometers, while the Willow Creek event originated deeper underground at roughly 25 kilometers.
According to the California Integrated Seismic Network, the two tremors were part of typical regional seismic activity seen along the state’s complex fault systems. Though small, quakes like these serve as a reminder for residents across both the Central Coast and Humboldt County to stay prepared with emergency kits and family communication plans.
Authorities say aftershocks are not expected, but residents who felt shaking are encouraged to submit reports to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” program to help refine intensity maps.
