Ferndale, CA – A 4.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the Northern California coast near Ferndale on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, recorded at 11.2 kilometers depth, occurred approximately 179 kilometers west of Ferndale at 9:27 a.m. local time.
The earthquake triggered the ShakeAlert system, which issued notifications shortly after. According to USGS, the system estimated the earthquake’s magnitude at 3.9 initially, with no reports of significant damage. The event did not meet the threshold for wireless emergency alerts, and no injuries were reported.
The epicenter, located west of Fortuna, lies within a seismically active region. Local authorities are monitoring for aftershocks. The USGS encouraged residents to report their experience to improve earthquake response systems. Experts remind the public that such quakes are common along California’s coast, emphasizing the importance of preparedness.
Northern California’s coastal communities, including Ferndale, experience frequent seismic activity due to the nearby tectonic boundaries. Although this earthquake caused minimal disruption, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing seismic risks in the region.