A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Mendocino County in Northern California on Wednesday, June 24, at 8:10 a.m. PT, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located 7 miles northwest of Willits, about 50 miles east of Fort Bragg, and 140 miles northeast of San Francisco. The quake, centered 5 miles deep, was felt as far as Sacramento, with ShakeAlert notifications triggering across Northern California.
No major damage or fatalities were immediately reported, though power outages affected 8,000 customers in Willits, according to PG&E. The quake knocked items off shelves in Redwood Valley, and aftershocks—including a 2.5-magnitude tremor—followed shortly after. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed he was briefed and monitoring the situation.
Shaking intensity varied by location, with strong shaking in Willits, moderate in Ukiah, and light to weak in coastal cities like Fort Bragg and Santa Rosa. The National Tsunami Warning Center ruled out any tsunami threat.
Businesses and residents described the quake as mild but unsettling. Brie Leon, a restaurant owner in Calpella, said plates and bottles rattled, while a Fort Bragg café worker noted the shaking was brief but noticeable. The USGS classified the quake’s impact alert level as yellow, indicating possible damage.
Geological context suggests the region remains seismically active, with tectonic stress along California’s fault lines reaching historic highs, according to recent research. However, experts emphasize that no immediate major quake is certain.
Emergency responders reported no significant injuries, though assessments continued. PG&E activated its emergency plan to inspect for gas and electric hazards.
Key facts:
- Magnitude: 5.6 (preliminary)
- Epicenter: 7 miles NW of Willits, Mendocino County
- Depth: 5 miles
- Aftershocks: 2.5, 2.7, and 2.6 magnitudes
- Power outages: 8,000 customers affected
- Tsunami threat: None
- Governor’s response: Briefed, coordinating with officials