A 4.1 magnitude earthquake rattled northern San Luis Obispo County on Tuesday morning, causing residents and businesses to experience significant shaking. The quake struck around 10 a.m., originating near Highway 46 in Templeton, approximately five miles west of Highway 101, as confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Local resident Paula Scallan recounted her experience, stating that she felt as though her roof would cave in while preparing to take her dog, Lucy, to the park. “I was in my bedroom, and it felt literally like my roof was going to cave in. It just shook,” she recalled.
At Grey Wolf Cellars, winemaker Brad Ely described the sudden jolt he felt while operating a forklift. “All of a sudden, it felt like I had been hit by a truck or something. The whole lift jumped off the ground,” he said, highlighting the surprising intensity of the quake.
Despite the apparent disruption, damage appeared minimal. At both Grey Wolf Cellars and Grain+Vine Craft Distillery, some bottles and glassware were toppled; however, as owner Joe Barton noted, the chaos was reminiscent of the aftermath of past earthquakes, such as the devastating 6.5 magnitude San Simeon earthquake in 2003, which had a more significant impact on the region. “This whole thing was on the floor,” he remarked while surveying the tasting room.
The earthquake provided a memorable moment for students at Pat Butler Elementary School, who felt the tremors while playing outside. Principal Christy Holman shared her own recollection of experiencing an earthquake as a child, emphasizing the lasting impact such events can have. The students at the school were well-prepared, having participated in the Great Shakeout earthquake drill just a month prior. “We were very prepared for the real situation. Today, our students and our staff were ready to respond to an earthquake,” Holman added.
The tremors created a widespread sense of unease in North County, with various accounts describing the distinct nature of the shaking. Ely noted, “This was such an abrupt kind of stop that that didn’t feel like anything I had felt before,” while Barton reminded the community of the reality of living in an earthquake-prone area. Fortunately, the authorities reported no significant damage or emergency calls related to the quake as of 11 a.m.
The morning’s earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic activity, highlighting the importance of preparedness and community resilience amid natural events.