Shaking Up the Coast: Northern California's Earthquake and Tsunami Scare

Thursday saw a powerful 7. 0 magnitude earthquake rattle Northern California, causing items to tumble off shelves and sending kids under desks. The quake, which struck west of Ferndale, was felt as far south as San Francisco. Though no major damage or injuries were reported, it triggered a brief tsunami warning for millions along the West Coast. The warning, lasting about an hour, covered a vast stretch from Monterey Bay to Oregon. Julie Kreitzer, owner of Golden Gait Mercantile in Ferndale, described the scene as worse than two years ago, with much to clean up before the holidays.

Authorities in cities like Eureka and Santa Cruz urged people to evacuate to higher ground. Valerie Starkey, a Del Norte County supervisor, initially thought her car's axles had broken. Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel reported that lights swayed and kids got under desks. Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal noted some home foundation cracks and broken glass but no severe damage. The quake, a strike-slip type, is less likely to cause tsunamis. California has seen over 150 tsunamis since 1800, with some causing significant damage.

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