5.3 Magnitude Earthquake Near Susanville Sends Shaking Across Northern California
So here’s what happened, and it definitely caught a lot of people off guard. Late Tuesday night, a fairly strong earthquake was felt across parts of Northern California, and many residents are still talking about it. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake measured a magnitude 5.3 and struck just before 10 p.m., around 9:49 that night.
The epicenter was located roughly 14 kilometers, or about 9 miles, north-northwest of Susanville, California. It was reported that the earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of about 4.7 kilometers, which is one of the reasons the shaking was felt over such a wide area. When quakes happen closer to the surface, the movement tends to be stronger and more noticeable, even at a distance.
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People as far away as Chico and Paradise reported feeling the ground move. Some described it as a sudden jolt, while others said it felt like a rolling motion that lasted several seconds. Action News Now received multiple calls from viewers across Northern California, with many saying they were startled while sitting at home, watching TV, or getting ready for bed. In some cases, items were shaken on shelves, and light fixtures were seen swaying.
Thankfully, no immediate reports of major damage or injuries were confirmed following the quake. Still, officials urged residents to remain cautious, as aftershocks are often possible after an earthquake of this size. Even smaller follow-up tremors can be unsettling and, in some cases, cause minor damage.
The quake serves as another reminder that Northern California sits in a seismically active region. While earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon, they are still powerful enough to disrupt daily life and spark concern. Residents were encouraged to review basic earthquake safety steps, such as knowing safe spots to take cover indoors, securing heavy furniture, and keeping emergency supplies ready.
For many people, the experience was unsettling but brief. The shaking passed quickly, yet it left behind that familiar moment of silence where everyone checks in with family, neighbors, and friends. As more information continues to be reviewed by seismologists, one thing is clear: Tuesday night’s earthquake was widely felt and served as a strong reminder of how unpredictable the ground beneath us can be.
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