Sunday Earthquake in McKinleyville

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a 3.7 magnitude earthquake hit nearly eight miles off the coast of McKinleyville, California, Sunday morning.

The earthquake happened at 8:28 a.m.

Dr. Lori Dengler is a geologist, Director of the Humboldt Earthquake Education Center and Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group. She told us Sunday’s quake was “A typical Gorda plate earthquake in Gorda plate – similar to the 1980 M7.2 offshore of Trinidad. Not likely to be a foreshock of something larger – but it is a good reminder we live in [an] earthquake [area], and there is always a small but real chance that a large earthquake could occur on the North Coast.”

She added that there was “no tsunami threat” with this.

Humboldt County Emergency Services received no reports of damage.

“Smaller earthquakes such as this occur frequently in Humboldt County and rarely result in a formal response unless there are impacts to local infrastructure, housing, or residents’ safety,” said Ryan Derby, Humboldt Emergency Services Manager.

People all across the viewing area reported feeling the quake.

Nick Canter told us, “Felt bigger than 3.7 in Cutten.”

Viewer Susie Klatt felt it in Ferndale.

Several of our Facebook followers said it woke them up.

We are following this breaking story and will update it throughout the day.