7.0 Quake Off California Coast Spurs Tsunami Alert

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Humboldt County, California, at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, with effects felt as far as the Bay Area and Santa Maria. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the epicenter near Ferndale, noting significant lateral slip that reduces the tsunami risk, though a warning remains from south central Oregon to the San Francisco Peninsula. The National Weather Service warned that significant inundation could occur, advising residents to move to higher ground. Reports indicate potential moderate to heavy damage in the Eureka area. The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit has halted service through the underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland as a precaution. State beaches in Santa Cruz County are being evacuated, emphasizing the seriousness of the warnings.