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Tsunami warning issued after magnitude 7 earthquake strikes California

By primenewsghana
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A large earthquake struck off the coast of Humboldt County on Thursday morning, prompting a tsunami warning for part of the North Coast.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck around 10:44 a.m., west of Petrolia, California in the Pacific Ocean. A Tsunami Warning has been issued for 45 miles southwest of Eureka.

The earthquake was first preliminarily registered as having a magnitude of 6.6, but USGS updated it a 7.0.

A significant apparent aftershock that registered as a 5.8-magnitude quake hit minutes later near Cobb, California in Lake County, according to the USGS.

Several other apparent aftershocks were also recorded minutes after the 7.0, all registering between 2.5 to 4.2 magnitude.

Residents up and down the Northern California coast, as well as into the Central Valley, reported feeling shaking. 

Bay Area earthquake impacts

Bay Area Rapid Transit service through the Transbay Tube has been halted due to the large earthquake.

It's unclear when service will reopen.

San Mateo County authorities noted that the tsunami warning extends to their area. People are being urged to avoid the beaches and coastlines, with the arrival of the tsunami expected at 12:10 p.m.

Emergency operations center activated

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office says he has been briefed on the earthquake and tsunami warning.

The governor is now meeting with state emergency officials, his office says, and the California Office of Emergency Services operations center has been activated. 

 

CBS