5.6 magnitude earthquake shakes Northern California

Seismograph
Earthquake FILE PHOTO: A small earthquake rocked Northern California on Wednesday. (McCarony - stock.adobe.com)

An earthquake shook parts of Northern California, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Read more trending news  ]

The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.6 and was located about 140 miles northeast of San Francisco around 8:10 a.m. PT, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Brie Leon said she and her co-workers had just opened Club Calpella Restaurant in Calpella, California, about 10 miles from the epicenter, when the shaking began, The Associated Press reported.

“I had just turned the open sign on and went back into the kitchen, and that’s when it happened,” she said. “It almost felt like something hit the building.”

She said it wasn’t a big quake she and co-workers still had things to clean up as they prepared for breakfast customers, according to the AP.

The initial quake was followed by a 2.5 magnitude.

There haven’t been any reports of damage or injuries, officials in Mendocino County said.

Still, Gov. Gavin Newsom was briefed on the incident and is coordinating with emergency officials on potential impacts.

USA Today said Michigan Technological University has come up with a scale that explains magnitudes and the amount of damage that could be seen following the shaking:

  • Below 2.5: Usually not felt, but sensed on a seismograph
  • 2.5 to 5.4: Felt, typically may result in minor damage
  • 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings
  • 6.1 to 6.9: Damage in very populated areas
  • 7.0 to 7.9: Major earthquake, serious damage
  • 8.0 or greater: A great earthquake can destroy communities near the epicenter.

An 8.0 happens once every year or two, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes of Wednesday’s initial magnitude 5.6 occur about 350 times a year, the school said.

©2026 Cox Media Group

On Air97X - Tampa Bay's New Alternative Logo

All In For All Children Podcast

CMG Tampa Bay presents the All In For All Children Podcast, highlighting the incredible individuals at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and the families whose lives have been touched by their dedication and care.


97X Green Room

Check out the latest videos and photos from our 97X Green Rooms in the Achieva Credit Union Sound Stage!


97X Contests

Win concert tickets, artist experiences, awesome merch & more!