Shallow Mw 4.2 Earthquake 46 Miles WSW of Ferndale Felt Locally

A light earthquake with a moment magnitude of 4.2 occurred at 4:20:31 PM PST on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, centered about 74 kilometers (46 miles) west-southwest of Ferndale. The event was extremely shallow, with a reported hypocentral depth of roughly 0.35 kilometers (0.20 miles), and its location and instrumental details are listed on the Seismological Laboratory pages after review by a seismologist.

Shallow offshore events like this can produce perceptible shaking along the coast even when the magnitude is modest. Residents in coastal Humboldt communities reported feeling light shaking; no widespread damage or injuries have been reported in preliminary notices. Agencies that monitor regional seismicity advise people to stay alert for possible aftershocks and to follow guidance from local emergency management if any impacts emerge.

The preliminary report provides coordinates near 40.389N, 125.108W. Seismologists reviewed the event and updated the instrument-derived location estimates on the monitoring page, offering the most current technical data for emergency managers and interested residents. Those updates are useful for situational awareness as authorities assess whether any localized impacts occurred on shoreline infrastructure, ports, or coastal facilities.

For everyday residents, the immediate implications are straightforward. A shallow Mw 4.2 event is unlikely to cause structural damage to well-built homes, but it can startle people and lead to minor items shifting on shelves. Coastal communities, fishing fleets, and shoreline operations should remain watchful for aftershocks and consult local emergency communications if they observe hazards such as rockfall, landslides, or damage to docks and piers.

This event underscores the routine nature of seismic activity off the North Coast and the importance of local preparedness. Emergency management agencies maintain situational updates and response plans; residents should follow those official channels for verified information and advisories. Monitoring pages that have reviewed the event contain instrumental details and location estimates that local officials use when assessing impacts.

What this means for Humboldt County is a reminder to keep basic preparedness measures current and to pay attention to local emergency messages in the hours and days after a shallow offshore quake. Officials will continue to track seismicity and report any developing concerns, and residents should be ready to act on guidance from local emergency management if further impacts are identified.