How strong was the 15km WSW of Ferndale, CA earthquake?
The 15km WSW of Ferndale, CA earthquake had a magnitude of 6.4 mw, classified as a "Strong" earthquake on the magnitude scale. Earthquakes of this size can cause serious damage to buildings and infrastructure over a wide area.
Where exactly did this earthquake occur and how deep was it?
This earthquake struck at coordinates 40.5250N, 124.4230W, at a depth of 17.9 km. Shallow earthquakes (under 20 km) tend to cause more surface damage than deeper events.
Did this earthquake trigger a tsunami warning?
Yes, a tsunami advisory or warning was associated with this earthquake. Coastal residents in affected areas should always follow local emergency management guidance during tsunami events. Even small tsunamis can produce dangerous currents.
How many people felt this earthquake?
5,910 people submitted felt reports to the USGS for this earthquake. The Community Decimal Intensity (CDI) reached 7.3, indicating strong to very strong shaking with potential for damage. The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) was estimated at 7.9.
When did this earthquake happen and how significant was it?
This earthquake occurred on December 20, 2022 at 19:34:24. The USGS assigned it a significance score of 1730 out of a possible 3,000, which factors in magnitude, felt reports, and potential impact. This is considered a highly significant seismic event. The PAGER alert level was "orange", indicating the estimated level of response needed.