Northern California was rocked early Tuesday morning by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake. The quake hit at 2:34am and was centered in El Cerrito, about 16 miles from downtown San Francisco but the most significant impact was felt near Ferndale, which is about 210 miles northwest of San Francisco - close to the Pacific Ocean. Two injuries have been reported in the area and reports of home damage and major road damage are surfacing. The bridge that connects Ferndale with Highway 101 sustained significant damage and has been closed for inspection by Caltrans (photo below).
Dozens of aftershocks continue to rock the area with a magnitude of from 2.5 to 4.6, according to USGS. Residents have been told to be prepared for aftershocks to continue.
"Due to a large earthquake, widespread damages to roads and homes are reported throughout Humboldt County," Humboldt County's office of emergency services tweeted. "Be prepared for aftershocks. Check gas and water lines for damages or leaks."
The quake comes exactly one year to the day after a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Humboldt County on December 20, 2022. However, last year's quake was centered offshore and did not cause injury or damage.
Humboldt resident Dan Dixon stated, “It was probably the most violent earthquake we have felt in the 15 years I have lived here. It physically moved our bed.”