A monstrous earthquake off the coast of Northern California has triggered a tsunami warning for millions of Americans.
The San Francisco Bay Area has been told to expect huge waves at 12:10 a.m. local time.
Residents are being told to run inland and take cover before the waves hit.
The magnitude-7 earthquake struck about 50 miles off the California coast Thursday morning.
Moments later an aftershock was felt.
Tsunami warning issued throughout California and Oregon
A tsunami warning is in effect from the Davenport coast to the Oregon-California border, including the San Francisco Bay area.
The National Weather Service predicts tsunami activity will begin around 11:10 a.m. PST in Fort Bragg, 11:20 a.m. in Crescent City, and then 12:10 p.m. in San Francisco.
In Oregon, tsunami activity is forecast to begin at 11:20 a.m. in Port Orford, 11:25 a.m. in Brookings, and then at 11:40 a.m. in Charlestion.
Residents are advised to evacuate inland or to higher ground, leave the water and beach and not return until local emergency services declare it safe.
Residents of Berkeley were ordered to evacuate
The City of Berkley has issued an evacuation order for residents of West Berkley.
‘People in the Tsunami Zone are in IMMEDIATE DANGER and MUST EVACUATE NOW. Stay east of 7th St. This is a lawful order to leave now,” the city said.
Earthquake is one of the few magnitude-7 earthquakes to shake California
Thursday’s earthquake is one of a handful of magnitude 7 earthquakes to rock the Golden State. Although it occurred 50 miles offshore, its effects were felt on shore.
However, it is not the strongest.
In 1857, a monstrous earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale rocked the region. It became known as the Fort Tejon earthquake.
The worst in the state’s history is considered the Great California Earthquale of 1906. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake killed 3,000 people and left 300,000 homeless after shaking San Francisco.
Emergency alarm warns residents: ‘You are in danger’
San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California are being warned to evacuate after a tsunami warning was issued.
‘A range of powerful waves and strong currents may hit coastlines near you. You are in danger. Move away from coastal waters. “Now move to higher ground or inland,” the emergency warning said.
Earthquake causes splash in family pool
Moment when a huge earthquake hits the supermarket in California
Rough waves crash onto the California coast
Residents of Fort Bragg rush to high ground before the tsunami waves form
Golden State rocked by powerful earthquake
The quake struck at 10:44 a.m. PST Thursday near the coastal city of Eureka and promoted a tsunami warning from the National Weather Service.
Initially reported as a 6.6 earthquake, it was quickly upgraded by USGS.
Share or comment on this article: Massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake in California triggers tsunami warning in San Francisco Bay Area – live updates
