SAN FRANCISCO -- A 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook a large area of Northern California on Thursday, knocking items off grocery store shelves, sending children scrambling under desks and prompting a brief tsunami warning for 5.3 million people along the U.S. West Coast.
The quake struck at 10:44 a.m. west of Ferndale, a small city in coastal Humboldt County, about 130 miles (209 km) from the Oregon border, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
It was felt as far south as San Francisco, some 270 miles (435 km) away, where residents described a rolling motion for several seconds. It was followed by multiple smaller aftershocks.
There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries from the quake, which was the most powerful temblor to hit California since a magnitude 7.1 quake hit Ridgecrest in 2019.
"It was a strong quake. Our building shook. We're fine, but I have a mess to clean up right now," said Julie Kreitzer, owner of Golden Gait Mercantile in Ferndale.
"I have to go. I have to try and salvage something for the holidays because it's going to be a tough year," Kreitzer said before hanging up.
The region -- known for its redwood forests and scenic mountains -- was struck by a magnitude 6.4 quake in 2022 that left thousands without power and water.
"A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you," warned the National Weather Service's tsunami alert shortly after the quake.
Numerous cities urged people to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution.
"I thought my axles had fallen apart," said Valerie Starkey from Crescent City near the Oregon border when she felt the earthquake motion beneath her vehicle.
Cindy Vosburg noted that "just as it would start to subside, the building would roll again" during her experience with tremors at Crescent City's cultural center downtown.
White House spokesperson Jeremy Edwards stated President Joe Biden was briefed on the earthquake with FEMA officials coordinating efforts with state counterparts in California and Oregon.
Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel remarked on students' reactions during tremors: "The kids were so great and terrified."
The students were later sent home while nearby Arcata's university community sheltered in place following safety protocols.
"We're used to it... It wasn't a sharp jolt; it was slow roller but significant." - Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal shared his perspective based on local seismic activity familiarity within Eureka courthouse vicinity amidst recent events affecting infrastructure minimally overall compared historically past occurrences throughout northern Californian territory according geological survey data compiled over time regarding numerous regional incidents involving various magnitudes across tectonic plate intersections impacting affected areas differently each instance depending situational factors present momentarily influencing outcomes experienced collectively populace involved directly indirectly related circumstances arising naturally periodically resulting similar scenarios previously encountered similarly handled accordingly established procedures guidelines implemented ensure public welfare maintained priority consideration forefront decisions made behalf authorities responsible managing crisis 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