Petrolia, California – A light earthquake shook a stretch of the Northern California coast Saturday morning, with residents across parts of Humboldt County noting a brief jolt from an offshore magnitude-3.1 tremor.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck at 8:53 a.m. local time, centered roughly 23 kilometers west of Petrolia at a depth of about 26 kilometers. No damage or injuries were reported, and early “Did You Feel It?” responses remained minimal through Saturday.
Communities from Petrolia to Ferndale often feel these small offshore quakes due to the region’s complex fault network near the Mendocino Triple Junction, where three major tectonic plates meet. Local emergency managers say quakes of this size are common, though they remind residents that larger events can follow without warning.
Officials noted no impact to Highway 101 or other major coastal routes. Utility crews in Humboldt County also reported no service interruptions. Residents are encouraged to keep emergency kits stocked, secure heavy furniture, and review family communication plans as part of routine earthquake readiness.
USGS scientists continue to monitor the area, and additional information may be released if aftershocks develop or seismic activity increases.
