Coastal communities in Northern California and Oregon experienced a brief period of anxiety on Thursday morning following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Petrolia, California. A tsunami warning, issued for the region from Davenport, California, to just south of Florence, Oregon, prompted evacuations and heightened alert. Approximately 1.5 hours later, the National Weather Service (NWS) canceled the warning, assuring residents that the tsunami threat had passed.
The earthquake, which struck around 10:45 a.m., initially triggered fears of potentially destructive waves hitting the coastline. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office urged residents to evacuate before the all-clear was given. Even with the rescinded warning, the Sheriff's Office advised residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks.
Residents observe the ocean at Ocean Beach in San Francisco after the earthquake. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)
The NWS confirmed the cancellation via social media, stating, "The tsunami Warning is canceled for the coastal areas of California and Oregon. No tsunami danger presently exists." This announcement brought relief to many, including the San Francisco Zoo, which had evacuated guests, secured animals, and moved staff to higher ground as a precaution.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed activated the city's Emergency Operations Center and urged people to move away from the coast. Public safety personnel were deployed to coastal areas to ensure residents moved inland. While no tsunami warning was issued for Southern California counties like San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles, officials continued to assess the situation.
Aerial view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. (Reuters/Carlos Barria)
Even with the cancellation, authorities advised continued caution and recommended avoiding coastal regions due to potential tidal fluctuations. Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the earthquake and met with emergency officials to coordinate the state’s response.
