Posted on 12/20/2022 5:31:45 AM PST by Morgana
A massive 6.4 earthquake rocked California early Tuesday morning leaving tens of thousands of people without power, with its epicenter just about 200 miles north of San Francisco, three days after 3.6 quake shook the Bay Area.
No injuries were immediately reported following the strong earthquake left at least 70,000 people facing power outages in Humboldt County, after it struck 7.5 miles southwest of Ferndale, a small community about 210 miles northwest of San Francisco and close to the Pacific coast.
Gas leaks are being reported across the region, while residents are being told to call 911 if there is an immediate emergency after a main bridge was closed in Ferndale following reports of it cracking in the seismic movement.
The earthquake came just days after a small magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area, waking up thousands of people before 4 a.m. Saturday and causing minor damage.
It is understood that many areas in northern California are experiencing power outages, with more than 70,000 customers in Humboldt County impacted by 8am, poweroutage.us reported.
Gas leaks are also being reported to the fire service in Fortuna and the town of Rio Dell following a reported structural collapse on Pacific Avenue.
There are also reports of a large crack in the roadway near 9104 Blue Slide Road which appears to be the main option for leaving Ferndale due to the bridge closure.
It is understood that one person may be unaccounted for in Rio Dell. There are reports of a possible structure collapse with people trapped in the same area.
Ferndale journalist Caroline Titus shared a video clip on Twitter of her darkened home of toppled furniture and smashed dishes after the quake, describing it as 'a mess' following the shaking.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Considering recent “climate change mitigation” rulings in CA, a ban on repairs of gas mains may be in the offing.
Remember, “Never let a crisis go to waste”
I was in Mountain View for the 6.9 Loma Preita quake in 1989. That was significant and scary, made more so since my office was in the basement. I never did consider that quake massive, though.
I worked in downtown Los Gatos at the time. Massive damage and my boss’ home on the Summit was wrecked. Of course there was the collapse of the Cypress Structure and the subsidence and fires in the Marina District. No damage to my home in Santa Clara. So I suppose it depends on where you were. But I think the final reading is 7.1, and that has to be fairly counted as massive.
Ha! In those years I lived in LG and worked in Watsonville as a New Director for KOMY. Those were some wild days trying to get over the summit. Some days I had to go the Mt. Madonna route.
[“Tens of thousands without power” in California is unfortunately not news.]
Except that this really was a “rolling blackout.”
See my Black Swan commentary on today’s threat matrix
“The earthquake was at a depth of 10 feet and struck south-west of Ferndale”
10 feet? probably caused by a backhoe, then ...
actually, usgs says at 17.9 km depth ...
So, today’s quake was 1000 times stronger than Saturday’s, do I have that right? Three orders of magnitude?
2 dead, 11 injured in wake of quake
The following is from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) has been activated in response to this emergency and is coordinating with local, regional and state partners.
Approximately 11 individuals have been reported as injured. Additionally, two individuals have died as a result of medical emergencies occurring during and/or just following the earthquake. Power remains off for over 70,000 customers in the county. Pacific Gas and Electric Company is actively working to restore power with no estimated time of restoration.
Damage assessments are currently underway, with significant structural damages, including gas and water lines, observed in the Rio Dell community and moderate damages to properties throughout the Eel River Valley.
Fortuna opens charging center
The following is a press release from Fortuna Police:
Following the 6.4 earthquake early this morning city staff and many emergency services responded and have been working diligently to ensure the safety of our community.
We understand natural disasters such as this are challenging and we are grateful for all those who came to the aid of others. We live in a truly amazing community.
The City of Fortuna has opened the Rohner Park Pavilion to those in need of a “charging center” during this power outage. The pavilion is equipped with generator power, which is free to use to charge phones, tablets and necessary medical equipment during this time. Please dress warmly, as the pavilion is a large building and difficult to heat.
During this time the City of Fortuna has established a dedicated line for residents and businesses to report damage to their buildings. Structural damage can be reported to 707-725-1407 to ensure an inspector is notified to respond for a safety assessment. Non-structural damage such as broken windows, cracked plaster and broken masonry can also be reported to 707-725-1407.
Fortuna Police Department Communications Center is experiencing a high volume of calls and requests that you only phone 911 for life threatening emergencies.
Many community members have called inquiring about the power outage. To obtain information related to power outages phone Pacific Gas & Electric (Informational Line 1-800-743-5000).
Eureka opens charging station
The following is from the city of Eureka:
The City of Eureka will have a “charging center” available at the Eureka Municipal Auditorium, 1120 F Street from 10 AM until 5 PM today, December 20, 2022. The auditorium will have power available for residents to charge phones, tablets and necessary medical equipment. Please dress warmly as the Muni is a large building and difficult to heat.
City Public Works has also received calls regarding the City water supply and quality. The City’s water supply is safe and has not been impacted by the earthquake.
The City of Eureka has also established a dedicated line for residents and businesses to report damage to their buildings. Structural damage can be reported to 707-441-4155 and an inspector will respond for a safety assessment.
Non-structural damage such as broken windows, cracked plaster and broken masonry can also be reported to 707-441-4155. Staff will not respond to inspect and will retain the information for the City’s Emergency Declaration assessment.
Eureka Communications Center is experiencing a high call volume and request that you only phone 911 for life threatening emergencies, see downed power lines or smell gas. Power is out throughout the greater Eureka area. Approach intersections with caution. Any signal out or blinking needs to be treated like a stop sign. As always, please be patient and courteous while driving. Pay attention and stay safe!
Other non-emergency calls can be directed to the following numbers:
o Eureka Police Business Line 441-4060
o Humboldt Bay Fire 441-4000
o Eureka Public Works 441-4203
o Eureka Administration 441-4144
The Adorni Center, Wharfinger Building and Zoo will not be open today. Eureka City Hall is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
City staff continues to assess damage to buildings and infrastructure. At this time, no significant damage has been reported.
PG&E: 71,000 without power
PG&E crews are responding to gas and electric problems in the wake of the 6.4 earthquake.
“Our crews are assessing the gas and electric system for any damage and doing everything possible to minimize power and gas outages,” a statement from the company said. “Our assessment could take several days. About 71,850 customers were without power as of 9 a.m.”
Customers are urged to use caution around damaged buildings.
Customers should report damaged electric and gas lines from a safe location to PG&E’s toll-free line at 1-800-743-5002.
Access the outage map at https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outagecenter/
Widespread damages reported
Due to a large earthquake, widespread damages to roads and homes are reported throughout Humboldt County, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
“Be prepared for aftershocks,” the sheriff’s office posted. “Check gas and water lines for damages or leaks. Exercise caution if traveling.”
To report a gas leak or inquire about power restoration, contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000
Fernbridge is closed
State Route 211 at Fernbridge is closed after the earthquake caused significant damage.
There is no estimated time when the roadway will be reopened, Caltrans District 1 reported.
For up-to-date road conditions, go to quickmap.dot.ca.gov or the Quickmap app.
Eureka Natural Foods is open
The team at Eureka Natural Foods started cleaning at 4 a.m. and opened the store at 9 a.m.
“Our generators will have all departments operational with few exceptions. Considering most stores will be unable to open we want to make sure the public is aware we are available to accommodate their grocery needs,” the store announced in a news release.
Supervisors meeting canceled
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled for todaywas canceled as a result of the quake.
The supervisors did plan to do a swearing-in of the new officials.
The courthouse is open only to employees, and is closed to the public. Staff should check in with their supervisors regarding their work duties.
For more updates on the earthquake and current info, go to HumboldtSheriff.org/Emergency.
Renner station open at Fernbridge
The Renner gas station at the foot of Fernbridge was open early Tuesday morning, one of the few fuel stations spotted open in the county following the 6.4 quake.
bttt
It wasn’t huge but the duration lasted awhile thus knocking out power. My sarcasm tonight after power restored in my area is Newsom with say that windmills would never have such a power outage. Go green!...
Based on this quake and the following 5.4 a quake prediction research company is stating 7.0 SF to LA quake is imminent, 1/02 -1/03
“Signal Just Hit” was their comment
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