Full Breakdown
Mendocino County 5.6-Magnitude Earthquake
6/25/2026, 2:16:37 PM
Earthquake Overview
At 8:10 a.m. PT on June 24, 2026, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 5.6 quake 7 miles north of Redwood Valley in Mendocino County, about 5 miles deep. The shock was felt from the North Coast to the Bay Area.
Background & Context
The epicenter lies near the Mendocino Triple Junction and the Maacama Fault, a zone not on a major fault. Seismologist Lucy Jones said it is the strongest event since 1940 and that local quakes are usually smaller.
Key Figures & Groups
The USGS supplied the seismic data. Governor Gavin Newsom and Cal OES led the state response. PG&E handled power outages. MyShake and ShakeAlert delivered early-warning alerts. Mendocino County spokesperson Heather Rose and dispatch supervisor Fawnell Dale provided local updates.
Timeline
08:10 a.m. – main shock. 08:17 a.m. – 2.5 M aftershock. 08:45 a.m. – PG&E reported thousands without power. 09:00 a.m. – MyShake sent ~657,000 alerts. 09:30 a.m. – Ukiah courthouse reopened.
Data & Statistics
The quake measured magnitude 5.6 at 5 miles depth. MyShake delivered ~657,000 alerts; total alerts topped one million. USGS logged 5,181 felt reports, with 60,000-70,000 reporting moderate to strong shaking. Power outages affected 4,000-10,000 customers. County officials noted “some injuries,” but no deaths.
Why It Matters
The event tested California’s early-warning system, delivering alerts within seconds. Power disruptions exposed rural grid vulnerabilities. Occurring on a less-active fault, the quake highlights the need for preparedness beyond major fault zones.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Newsom’s office said the governor had been briefed and was “closely coordinating with emergency officials and assessing potential impacts and damage.” Cal OES reported no major damage. PG&E confirmed no damage to critical facilities and began restoring service. Lucy Jones warned aftershocks are likely but “probably stay on the low side.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Restaurant owner Brie Leon said the building “almost felt like something hit the building,” and items fell from shelves. Homeowner Alan Harris described a 30-second roll that knocked frames off walls, though he saw no structural damage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
County officials confirmed “some injuries” without details, while other outlets reported none. Damage accounts range from minor shelf displacement to broken water lines and storefront closures. Power outage estimates vary between 4,000 and 10,000 customers. Full casualty and damage assessments are still pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It almost felt like something hit the building.” — Brie Leon, Club Calpella owner
- “It wasn’t a big, big quake, but things went everywhere,” — Brie Leon
- “I yelled downstairs immediately to my wife and daughter to make sure they were hanging on,” — Alan Harris, homeowner
- “The area is not without earthquakes, but they’re usually smaller than this,” — Lucy Jones, seismologist
Outlook
USGS expects aftershocks up to magnitude 4.0. Cal OES and local agencies will complete damage surveys, restore power, and issue safety guidance. ShakeAlert and MyShake performance data will guide future early-warning enhancements.
