FERNDALE, Calif. — A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the northern California coast on Thursday morning, shaking communities as far away as San Francisco and triggering widespread tsunami alerts.

The earthquake, which originated near the town of Ferndale in Humboldt County, occurred just before 11 a.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Roughly 1.3 million people reported feeling the tremor, which reverberated across the region.

Emergency alerts activated on cellphones throughout northern California, warning residents to take cover from shaking and brace for possible tsunami waves. At least 5.3 million people from California to southern Oregon received tsunami advisories, warning of dangerous waves and strong currents along the coast that could continue into the afternoon.

Despite the earthquake’s strength, the USGS reported that risks to human life appeared to be minimal. Ferndale, a historic town known for its Victorian architecture, experienced the brunt of the quake, though there were no immediate reports of significant structural damage or injuries.

Local authorities are continuing to assess the situation, as residents remain on alert for aftershocks and potential coastal flooding.

“Ferndale residents shaken but safe as tsunami warnings ripple along the Pacific coast.”

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