UPDATE: Two earthquakes jolted the Bay Area near Santa Rosa this afternoon, with a magnitude 4.0 quake striking at 3:30 p.m., just three miles from the city. This initial tremor was quickly followed by a second earthquake measuring 3.1, which hit at 3:38 p.m., only two miles from Santa Rosa, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Residents across the region felt the ground shake, with the larger quake occurring just four miles from Petaluma, seven miles from Sonoma, and 13 miles from Napa. The aftershock was recorded five miles from Petaluma, eight miles from Sonoma, and 13 miles from Windsor. As the tremors shook the area, many residents are left wondering about the potential for further seismic activity.
In the last ten days alone, there has been one earthquake of magnitude 3.0 or greater in the vicinity. California experiences an average of 25 earthquakes each year with magnitudes ranging from 4.0 to 5.0, based on a recent three-year data analysis. Today’s 4.0 quake occurred at a depth of just 1.2 miles, while the subsequent 3.1 tremor struck at a depth of 1.4 miles.
Did you feel these earthquakes? If so, consider reporting your experience to the USGS. For more information on how to prepare for seismic events, including essential earthquake kits and expert advice, sign up for the Unshaken newsletter, which offers easy-to-follow preparedness steps over six weeks.
As officials continue to monitor the situation, residents are advised to stay alert for any further seismic activity. This developing story highlights the ongoing realities of living in a seismically active region. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
