Several small earthquakes were reported Friday south of the Bay Area, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The strongest reached a magnitude of 3.4 near San Juan Bautista, a region in Central California known for frequent seismic activity.
The quakes occurred around noon and were felt throughout parts of the South Bay and the Central Coast. Initial reports indicated minor shaking but no significant damage or injuries. According to USGS data, the epicenter was near the San Andreas Fault, an area that regularly experiences low- to moderate-intensity quakes.
Residents described the shaking as a quick jolt. Many took to social media to share that it felt like “a sudden bump” or “a quick rumble.”
"It was over before I even realized it was an earthquake," one resident from Hollister said.
Experts noted that small quakes such as these are common in this part of California. They help release stress along the fault lines, which can sometimes prevent larger, more destructive quakes from occurring.
USGS continues to monitor the region for possible aftershocks but stated that no significant seismic activity followed the initial series.
Author Summary: Mild earthquakes, the strongest at magnitude 3.4, struck near San Juan Bautista on Black Friday, causing minor tremors but no reported damage in the South Bay area.