A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck off Northern California late Wednesday, sending light to weak shaking through coastal communities in Humboldt County.
The offshore quake hit at 8:56 p.m. about 69 miles west of Petrolia, at an estimated depth of 6 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS initially listed the earthquake at magnitude 4.6 before revising it upward to 5.0.
The agency issued a Green Alert, signaling a low probability of fatalities or significant structural damage.
Although the epicenter was offshore, residents reported light to weak shaking in Arcata, Garberville, McKinleyville and Whitethorn. More than 120 people had submitted accounts through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” reporting tool.
The Wednesday night earthquake was the strongest in a recent cluster of offshore activity. Two magnitude 2.7 earthquakes were detected in the same area on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
