Fresno, Calif. – Two mild earthquakes struck Central California just minutes apart Wednesday morning, giving residents in Fresno and San Benito counties a subtle but noticeable jolt.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey and the California Integrated Seismic Network, the first quake — a magnitude 2.7 — occurred at 3:09 a.m. PDT about 13 kilometers northeast of Coalinga at a depth of 13.2 kilometers. Just 26 minutes later, a second 2.7 magnitude tremor struck 12 kilometers northwest of Pinnacles at a much shallower depth of 4.7 kilometers.
Both earthquakes were automatically reviewed and classified as minor, but the shallow depth of the Pinnacles event made it more noticeable. Two residents reported light shaking via the USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” tool, though no injuries or damage were reported in either area.
The back-to-back quakes fall within an active seismic zone along the San Andreas Fault system, which runs through both regions. Drivers on State Routes 198 and 25 are advised to remain alert for potential aftershocks or minor rockslides in hilly areas.
Officials recommend residents review emergency preparedness plans and ensure home earthquake kits are up to date. While events of this size rarely cause structural issues, they serve as reminders of California’s ongoing seismic activity.
No further advisories have been issued at this time, though USGS continues to monitor the area for additional movement.
