A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck Northern California late Tuesday night, briefly shaking homes and waking residents across parts of the region. The tremor was centered near Susanville in Lassen County, an area known for periodic seismic movement, though not frequent large earthquakes.
The quake hit around 9:49 p.m., and because it occurred at a shallow depth, the shaking felt stronger at the surface than many expected. People in nearby towns reported sudden jolts, light objects moving, and short bursts of ground motion that lasted only a few seconds.
Initial seismic readings suggested a stronger event, but experts later adjusted the magnitude to 4.9 after reviewing additional data — a standard process in earthquake measurement. A small aftershock followed shortly afterward, though it caused little additional impact.
Despite the widespread feeling of the quake, no major injuries or structural damage were reported. Local authorities said the situation remained calm, with emergency services receiving mostly informational calls from residents wanting confirmation of what they had felt.
The shaking was reported across a broader stretch of Northern California and even into neighboring areas, showing how mid-level earthquakes can travel far when conditions are right. Many residents took to social media to share their experiences, describing the quake as “quick but strong.”
Seismologists note that while this region sits outside California’s most well-known fault lines, it remains geologically active. Events like this are reminders that earthquakes can happen with little warning and reinforce the importance of basic safety readiness.
Officials continue to monitor the area for further aftershocks, though no larger seismic activity is expected at this time.