Willows, California – A light earthquake rattled parts of the northern Sacramento Valley Sunday morning as a magnitude 3.1 jolt struck just south of Willows, briefly shaking homes across Glenn County. The quake, centered 11 kilometers south-southeast of the city, hit at 6:56 a.m. local time and originated more than 17 miles underground, limiting widespread impacts but still noticeable to nearby residents.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, early reports show light shaking with no damage or injuries. Two “Did You Feel It?” responses were logged within minutes of the tremor, mainly from residents living closest to the epicenter.
Glenn County emergency managers noted that weak, deep quakes in this stretch of the Sacramento Valley are not uncommon, particularly along small mapped faults that occasionally trigger low-level seismic activity. Communities from Orland to Princeton reported brief vibration but no structural issues. Local officials say residents do not need to take action, though they encourage households to review basic earthquake safety steps, including securing tall furniture and keeping emergency kits stocked.
Seismologists say minor aftershocks are possible, though none have been reported as of Monday afternoon. Authorities will continue monitoring activity and advise residents to report any additional shaking to USGS.
