Earthquake rattles California as a tsunami warning is sent out

December 5, 2024

Jack Aylmer, Energy Correspondent

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An earthquake has rattled northern California, leading the National Weather Service to issue a tsunami warning to millions of people. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a 7.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean near Petrolia, California, the morning of Thursday, Dec. 5.

Officials believe the earthquake had an epicenter of 40 miles with millions feeling the force of the quake.

California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, set up an emergency operations center following the earthquake as his office works to assess the impact. His team also plans to meet with local officials in the affected areas.

Local authorities sent out an evacuation order to coastal residents in the tsunami’s zone urging everyone to find higher ground, echoing the National Weather Service’s message.

“You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return,” read the message.

The yellow alert has since expired according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System, it acted as a safety precaution to the coastline from southern Oregon all the way down to Santa Cruz, California.

Damage has not been reported but officials tell residents to prepare for continuous and smaller aftershocks.

Tags: California, Earthquakes, Gavin Newsom, National Weather Service

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Full story

Officials believe the earthquake had an epicenter of 40 miles with millions feeling the force of the quake.

Local authorities sent out an evacuation order to coastal residents in the tsunami’s zone urging everyone to find higher ground, echoing the National Weather Service’s message.

“You are in danger. Get away from coastal waters. Move to high ground or inland now. Keep away from the coast until local officials say it is safe to return,” read the message.

The yellow alert has since expired according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System, it acted as a safety precaution to the coastline from southern Oregon all the way down to Santa Cruz, California.

Damage has not been reported but officials tell residents to prepare for continuous and smaller aftershocks.