[UPDATE 12:45 p.m.] Estimated 6.4 Quake Rolls the North Coast

According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, “NO TSUMNAMI IS EXPECTED At approximately 2:37 am a 6.1 earthquake was felt near Ferndale California.”

This was followed by an estimated 4.6 magnitude #earthquake. 4 mi from #RioDell at 2.39 a.m. p.m.

UPDATE 3 a.m.: More aftershocks continue to hit the region. The first is now being revised up to a 6.4 quake.

UPDATE 3:08 a.m.: Report over the scanner in Rio Dell of a structure collapse with possible entrapment in the 100 block of Pacific Avenue.

UPDATE 3:15 a.m.: Power is out to thousands across Humboldt County.

UPDATE 3:20 a.m.: Multiple reports of gas leaks. The Sheriff’s Department tweeted, “DO NOT CALL 911 UNLESS YOU ARE EXPERIENCING AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY.” Listening to the scanner, we hear a mass of calls so please try to avoid calling.

UPDATE 3:28 a.m.: Broken glass at Sport and Cycle in Broadway in Eureka.

UPDATE 3:38 a.m.: In Rio Dell, there is a structure fire at 1071 Pacific Ave following a gas leak. Three engines are on scene.

UPDATE 3:49 a.m.: “There may be a shortage of ambulances right now,” a dispatcher said over the scanner.

UPDATE 3:50 a.m.: Hwy 211 is closed after Fernbridge is damaged, the dispatcher just said. He added that a bridge near Rio Dell on 101 is being checked.

UPDATE 3:53 a.m.: Our reporter, Ryan Hutson is in Old Town Eureka, Below are images from 5th and A. A window is busted out at the old Humboldt Hydroponics building at Fifth and A on the corner, and a sheet of bricks fell off the outside of the building.

UPDATE 4:25 a.m.: North Coast News was at Fernbridge.

https://www.facebook.com/NorthCoastNewsTV/videos/848590839808046

UPDATE 4:40 a.m.: Fortuna Union High School District is reporting that all their schools are closed today.

UPDATE 4:50 a.m.: Just for fun…Déjà Vu All Over Again! Exactly a Year Ago Today North Coast Smacked by 6.2 Earthquake

UPDATE 5 a.m.: According to Senator Mike McGuire, “Out of an abundance of caution Fernbridge, connecting Ferndale, will be be closed for further inspection (State Route 211). CalTrans will remain on scene to assess the structure.”

UPDATE 5:04 a.m.: Please be cautious driving. There are numerous reports of cracks in roadways.  Tompkins Hill Road is closed in the 6100 block, according to the CHP Traffic Information Page. Walnut Drive, off Ridgewood in Southeast of Eureka is cracked and there are concerns it might slide. The 9100 block of Blue Slide Road near Rio Dell has a large crack in the roadway but is passable.

UPDATE 5:08 a.m.: The first images from stores are coming in. Here’s the Fortuna Safeway.

UPDATE 5:15 a.m.: Pacific Outfitters in Eureka Arcata looks like the earthquake was gunning for them. Aaron Ostrom, partner in the store, predicted a pre Christmas scratch and dent sale… .

UPDATE 5:36 a.m.: Caltrans posted on Facebook, “State Route 211 at Fernbridge, Humboldt County is CLOSED. The bridge is closed while we conduct safety inspections due to possible seismic damage.”

UPDATE 5:39 a.m.: The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department tweeted, “This is a Humboldt Alert. Due to a large earthquake, widespread damages to roads and homes are reported throughout Humboldt County. Be prepared for aftershocks. Check gas and water lines for damages or leaks. Exercise caution if traveling. To report a gas manager.everbridge.net/pub/8902967914…”

UPDATE 6:35 a.m.: A house at the corner of Wildwood Avenue and Dixie Street has a collapsed porch.

UPDATE 7 a.m.: With the recent closure of Blue Slide Road and the previous closure of Fernbridge, residents of Ferndale will have to trek out through the hinterlands to reach Hwy 101.

UPDATE 7:16 a.m.: According to Lauren Schmitt, our KMUD partner,

SCHOOLS CLOSED TODAY: N. Humboldt Unified (Arcata and McK High & lower levels too) Ferndale schools (all levels) Fortuna schools Klamath-Trinity Schools College of the Redwoods Rio Dell schools Union Street Charter Schools Blue Lake School Pacific Union Coastal Grove Charter School

UPDATE 7:30 a.m.: Rio Dell Fire Chief Estimates Between 50 to 100 Families Displaced by Quake

UPDATE 8 a.m.: Cal Poly Humboldt is closed today except for essential personnel. They say, “Students, staff & faculty with Humboldt ID can get meals at JGC Klamath Room 9 a.m., & at the J 10 a.m.-6 p.m.” And, according to a press release:

…Cal Poly Humboldt is working to restore campus operations including:

• Robust assessment of infrastructure and building conditions
• Restoration of phone, internet, and security systems
• Restoration of housing and dining services
• Restoration of critical business functions (payroll, accounts payable and procurement) to support emergency operations and essential university functions
• Completing the semester and continuing grading and essential research as needed

A timeline for power restoration is unknown.

The University will only permit essential personnel on-campus. If you are unsure if you are classified as essential, please reach out to your appropriate administrator. The University will reassess the situation by midday and share important updates as necessary. Once power is restored and no hazardous conditions exist, campus will be re-opened to faculty and staff.

You can find additional information and resources at the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services website.

University Police can be contacted for non-emergencies at 707-826-5555. Please call 911 in case of emergency.

No injuries have been reported and damage will be assessed going forward.

Visit myHumboldt to ensure you’re signed up for emergency text messages.

Find earthquake information and preparedness tips here. 

Students seeking support can contact TimelyCare. Employees can reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support.

UPDATE 8:06 a.m.: Caltrans is checking the Hwy 101 bridges near Rio Dell for structure damage after this morning’s quake.

UPDATE 8:30 a.m.: Humboldt Bay Battalion Chief Tim Citro sent us this photo from the Lloyd Building on 5th Street.

UPDATE 8:34 a.m.: According to the County of Humboldt, “Fernbridge is currently closed. Detour can be made if you go up over Wildcat Road to Upper Bear River road to Monument then down through Rio Dell.” They also warn, “Blue Slide Road closed at the 2.26 Mile marker.”

UPDATE 8:47 a.m.: According to the County of Humboldt, “The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting scheduled today, Tuesday, Dec. 20 has been cancelled due to the M6.4 earthquake that struck at approximately 2:34 a.m. The swearing in of Humboldt County’s newly elected officials is still taking place at the County Courthouse as planned… .”

UPDATE 8:50 a.m.: We spoke to Denton Carrick of Humboldt County Public Works this morning. He is in charge of the County Roads in Southern Humboldt. According to Carrick, the roads appear to be in good shape in the Garberville area.

UPDATE 9:37 a.m.: Fortuna Water District tweeted,

pic.twitter.com/I30fUbXXmO

— Fortuna Public Works (@Fortuna_PW) December 20, 2022

UPDATE 9:40 a.m.: Ray’s grocery store in Redway had some serious damages.

Update 12:31 p.m.: Blue Slide Road is now open.

UPDATE 12:43 p.m.: “Approximately 11 individuals have been reported as injured. Additionally, two individuals have died as a result of medical emergencies occurring during and/or just following the earthquake.” More from the Office of Emergency Services here.

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