HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. — A preliminary magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck in Humboldt County along the coast of Northern California.
Two people are dead and 12 people have been injured, according to the county. A 72-year-old woman and 83-year-old man died due to medical emergencies that happened during or just following the earthquake, according to Humboldt County. Their identities have not been released.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake struck around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday morning near Ferndale and Fortuna.
A map of where people reported feeling the earthquake can be found HERE.
Power Outages
About 40,000 customers have had their power restored after the quake knocked out power to 70,000 earlier on Tuesday, according to PG&E. PG&E said it has initiated its emergency response and is assessing its gas and electric system for any damage.
Road Closures
Some roads are closed in Humboldt County as the damage continues to be assessed.
- State Route 211 at Fernbridge: The bridge is closed while Caltrans conducts safety inspections due to possible seismic damage.
- Monument Road southwest of Rio Dell
- Tompkins Hill Road at Hookton Road
- Walnut Drive at Greenbriar Lane
Damage
The Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services said a tsunami is not expected. They advise people not to call 911 unless there is an immediate emergency.
The Rio Dell area has been hit the hardest by the quake, according to Karges. Several house fires have been reported in the area, but the sheriff's office does not have an injury report from the area yet.
Caroline Titus, a resident of Ferndale, tweeted a video of the inside of her home of toppled furniture and smashed dishes.
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said that "widespread damages" to roads and homes have been reported throughout the county.
People reported feeling the quake as far as Roseville and Foresthill in Placer County. A few people reported feeling it as far as Modesto and San Jose.
ALL ABOUT EARTHQUAKE PREP:
- What you need to know about ShakeAlert, the earthquake warning system | Earthquake Ready or Not
- What can happen to our power grids after an earthquake? | Earthquake Ready or Not
- Why a disaster kit will help you survive the next big one | Earthquake Ready or Not
- What you need to know about the San Andreas fault | Earthquake Ready or Not
- The science of forecasting earthquakes | Earthquake Ready or Not
- How vulnerable is California to tsunamis? | Earthquake Ready or Not
WATCH: Earthquakes come without warning and if you aren’t prepared by the time the big one hits, you will be too late. The 2019 earthquake near Ridgecrest, California shined a spotlight on the need to be prepared with a disaster kit and a plan. A little work now could help you survive the next quake.
