Petrolia, Calif. – A light earthquake struck off the Northern California coast early Friday, rattling parts of Humboldt County just after midnight but causing no reported damage or injuries.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the magnitude 4.1 quake hit at 12:44 a.m. PDT about 52 kilometers west-northwest of Petrolia. The epicenter was shallow—only 2.2 kilometers deep—enhancing the shaking felt by some residents in coastal towns like Ferndale and Eureka.
Although the tremor triggered minimal community reports, with just a few residents submitting “Did You Feel It?” responses, the USGS issued a ShakeMap and classified the event as having low risk for economic loss or fatalities. The alert status remains green, and no tsunami warning was issued.
The quake occurred along the Mendocino Triple Junction, one of the most seismically active areas in the continental U.S., where the Pacific, North American, and Juan de Fuca plates converge.
While no infrastructure or transportation impacts were reported, Californians are reminded to keep emergency kits updated and secure heavy items in earthquake-prone homes.
More seismic activity is possible in the region. USGS continues to monitor and analyze aftershock potential.
