Crescent City, CA – A moderate offshore earthquake was recorded Saturday afternoon off the Northern California coast near the Oregon border, according to seismic officials.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred Saturday, May 9, 2026, at approximately 4:58 a.m. UTC (late Friday night into early Saturday local time). The epicenter was located about 96 kilometers west-southwest of Crescent City, California, in the Pacific Ocean, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Earthquakes of this magnitude are typically considered light to moderate and may be felt near coastal communities, though they rarely cause significant damage. Initial USGS models indicate a low likelihood of injuries or economic losses.
Residents along the far Northern California coast and parts of southern Oregon may have experienced light shaking, though early reports remain limited due to the offshore location.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, and no damage or injuries have been reported at this time.
Seismologists continue to monitor activity along offshore fault systems near the California-Oregon border, where periodic seismic movement is known to occur.
