Tsunami Warning Canceled After Large Earthquakes Shake Northern CA

CALIFORNIA — A tsunami warning was canceled just before noon for the California and Oregon coasts after millions braced for impacts in the wake of a magnitude 7.0 earthquake recorded off the coast, 45 miles southwest of Eureka, and multiple aftershocks.

The National Weather Service initially issued a tsunami covering a vast stretch of the Oregon and California coastline, including the Humboldt coast, San Francisco Bay and Peninsula.

In an update shared at 11:58 a.m., the NWS gave the all-clear.

"The tsunami Warning is canceled for the coastal areas of California and Oregon," the weather service said. "No tsunami danger presently exists for this area. This will be the final U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center message for this event."

• Latest: 5 Things To Know About CA's Tsunami Warning, Earthquake

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a tsunami warning is issued when a tsunami with the potential to create "widespread inundation" is imminent or expected. The National Weather Service estimated the tsunami would arrive in San Francisco at 12:10 p.m.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 7.0 earthquake hit at 10:44 a.m. and was centered about 61 miles east, northeast of Ferndale. The National Weather Service U.S. Tsunami Warning System initially reported that it was a magnitude 7.3.

Three minutes after the large quake, at 10:47 a.m., a 5.8-magnitude temblor struck near Cobb.

Shaking rippled across Northern California, where residents felt a rolling motion for several seconds. It was followed by several smaller aftershocks.

At least 5.3 million people in California were under a tsunami warning after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey said in a yellow alert, which predicts localized but minimal damage.

Safety Warnings

Following the initial issue of the tsunami warning, residents within the tsunami warning zone were told to get to high ground or move inland and stay away from the water.

The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management and Berkeley police were among local agencies in coastal cities and counties that warned people to stay away from coastal water and to move to higher ground if they are able to.

"People in the Tsunami Zone are in IMMEDIATE DANGER and MUST EVACUATE NOW," the Berkeley Police Department said in an alert. "Stay east of 7th St. This is a lawful order to leave now."

In the North Bay, officials in San Rafael urged people to leave the coast, bay and low-lying areas for higher ground.

"This is a real warning as the result of a significant earthquake that occurred off the California Coast near Eureka," the city said. "First responders are actively patrolling and monitoring our community's shorelines and low-lying areas."

In San Francisco, emergency management officials warned everyone to stay out of the water, away from beaches and harbors, and move at least one block inland. The San Francisco Zoo said it evacuated guests, secured the animals and moved its staff to higher ground.

On the Peninsula, an emergency alert sent across San Mateo County urged residents to avoid beaches and low-lying areas and seek higher ground immediately. Highways 1 and 92 were packed as people fled to higher ground.

BART halted service following the earthquake to inspect the tracks, as is protocol. Most service quickly resumed, but trans-bay service was suspended as long as the tsunami warning remained in effect. The agency announced it had resumed normal service with "major systemwide delays."

The following Bay Area counties were affected by the tsunami warning, which was issued at 11 a.m.:

• Contra Costa
• Alameda
• Napa
• San Francisco
• Marin
• Santa Clara

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

The Associated Press and Bay City News contributed to this report.