A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck Northern California, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the tremors were recorded at 10:44 AM west of Ferndale, a small town in Humboldt County near the Oregon border.
The shakes were felt as far away as San Francisco, where residents experienced vibrations for several seconds. This was followed by smaller aftershocks.
The BART rapid transit system suspended service in all directions through the underwater tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland.
Visitors to the San Francisco Zoo were evacuated, animals were secured, and staff were moved to higher ground.
The National Weather Service issued the following warning across Northern California: "A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact the coastline near you. You are in danger. Move away from coastal waters. Relocate to higher ground or inland. Stay away from the coast until local authorities say it is safe to return."
Later, the tsunami threat was lifted.
This warning affected over 5 million people. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 1.3 million people live close enough to the epicenter to feel the quake.