A moderate 4.2-magnitude earthquake was reported early on January 8, 2026, at 12:00 AM local time near Santa Rosa, California, specifically located 28 miles northwest of the city in Sonoma County. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of approximately 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) was the first agency to confirm this seismic event just one minute after it struck.
The initial magnitude of the earthquake was recorded at 4.2, but subsequent recalculations adjusted it down to 4.0 before being re-evaluated again to confirm it back at 4.2. The earthquake’s hypocenter depth was also adjusted from an initial report of 9 kilometers to a more accurate measurement of 2.26 kilometers (approximately 1.4 miles).
Although the quake was felt across various nearby towns, reports suggest it did not result in any significant damage. Residents in areas such as Cloverdale, Clearlake, and Windsor, which are 8, 16, and 20 miles away from the epicenter respectively, experienced light vibrations. Other cities where light shaking was reported include Santa Rosa (28 miles away), Ukiah (29 miles), Rohnert Park (35 miles), and Napa (49 miles).
Local weather conditions at the time of the quake indicated overcast clouds and cool temperatures of about 6.3°C (43°F). Seismic energy released during the event was estimated to be equivalent to 30.1 tons of TNT.
User-reports on the shaking intensity classified it primarily as weak to light, with intensity ratings on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale ranging from II (very weak shaking) to IV (light shaking). Some reports even indicated that the tremors were felt as far as 179 kilometers (111 miles) away, demonstrating the wider impact of the earthquake despite its modest magnitude.
Since no significant aftershocks have been recorded following this seismic activity, the situation remains stable for residents in the vicinity. Seismologists continue to monitor for any further developments, and they encourage local residents to report their experiences to contribute valuable data for earthquake science and analysis.
In light of this earthquake, it serves as a reminder of the earth’s dynamic nature and the importance of preparedness, especially in areas prone to seismic activity.