California was hit by an earthquake Wednesday, just days after a major 5.2 magnitude quake rocked the state.
A 3.8 magnitude earthquake was identified by the US Geological Survey (USGS) at approximately 8 am PT (11 am ET) along the Mendocino Fracture Zone, a significant geological formation situated off the northern California coastline.
Scientists have warned that the Mendocino Fault is capable of producing large earthquakes, including those of magnitude 7 or larger.
The USGS shows the tremor struck off the coast of Petrolia in Humboldt County.
The area has experienced dozens of earthquakes in the last 24 hours, but they were lower than a magnitude 2.5.
The seismic event follows Monday’s earthquake that hit Southern California, which was felt by more than 40,000 residents.
An emergency alert was sent out warning residents, ‘Earthquake Detected! Drop, Cover, Hold On. Protect Yourself.’
The quake’s epicenter was recorded 2.49 miles south of Julian, according to the USGS.
This is a developing story… More updates to come
At around 11 am ET, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.8 magnitude earthquake occurring along the Mendocino Fault, a major geological feature located off the coast of northern California.
The Mendocino Fracture Zone sits in the eastern Pacific Ocean, specifically near Cape Mendocino, and extends for about 2,500 miles.
The fault released a major 7.0 magnitude earthquake in December 2024, triggering a tsunami warning that panicked residents.
The temore hit at 10:44am (1pm ET), 45 miles off the coast of Eureka, with an aftershock felt in San Francisco shortly afterwards.
‘You are in danger!’ it warned. By 12pm (3pm ET), the tsunami warning had been canceled.
Wednesday’s 3.8 magnitude earthquake, however, was not powerful enough to trigger a tsunami.
An assessment from Michigan Tech University showed that people typically do not feel quakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or less.
Those from 2.5 to 5.4 are often felt but only cause minor damage.
However, the latest earthquake hit off the coast, so no injuries or damages are likely to occur.
Monday’s earthquake was felt by more than 40,000 people in Southern California.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said, at the time, it received no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Following the seismic event, the California Department of Transportation released pictures showing rocks that had tumbled onto State Route 76 just east of E Grade Road and advised motorists to be cautious of debris obstructing the roadway.
One man told the local news station he was inside Mountain Spirits Liquor in Julian when the quake hit and bottles started flying off the shelves.
‘I just hear like consecutive three to four different bursts and pops of different bottles,’ he said.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria addressed the strong earthquake on X.
‘San Diego experienced a strong earthquake centered near Julian. There’s no known visible or major damage to the city so far and I’m in communication with local, state, and federal officials,’ he said.
Since Monday, over two dozen aftershocks have been detected around the epicenter.
According to the USGS, every one of these aftershocks has registered at 2.0 magnitude or higher.
That included another significant 4.0 magnitude quake that struck less than a mile from the original earthquake around 11:23am (2:23pm ET) on Monday.
