Northern California Shaken by Early Morning 4.6 Earthquake

Northern California residents were awakened early Thursday by a 4.6 magnitude earthquake that shook a wide area, including San Francisco. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake struck at approximately 1:40 a.m., with its epicenter just a mile (1.6 kilometers) from Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Many residents described feeling their homes tremble for several seconds, with reports coming from a 100-mile (161-kilometer) stretch. Boulder Creek, a town of around 5,000 people located roughly 65 miles (105 kilometers) southeast of San Francisco, was closest to the epicenter. People as far north as Petaluma, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from the city, also reported feeling the quake.

Several residents said they were first alerted by earthquake notifications on their phones before feeling their beds and windows shake.

There were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries.

This event follows a pattern of seismic activity in the region. In February, a series of small earthquakes rattled the San Francisco Bay Area, with the largest measuring magnitude 4.2 near San Ramon. Experts note that the area east of San Francisco has experienced “earthquake swarms”—multiple small earthquakes occurring in a short period—for decades.

Seismologists continue to monitor the region for aftershocks and advise residents to stay prepared for minor tremors.