Residents across the North Bay and beyond were rattled on New Year's Day by a magnitude 4.7 earthquake, with its epicenter 2 miles northwest of Cobb. The quake occurred at 6:34 p.m. and marked the first activation of the ShakeAlert system in the new year, drawing a notable response from the community, according to a report by SFGate.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the trembling was centered near the Geysers, an area known for frequent seismic activities, approximately 4.7 miles north of where the ground first started shaking. Over 1,500 reports came through to the USGS Community Intensity Map from residents across Lake County, adjacent Sonoma County, and some as distant as Fremont, many describing the quake's impact as 'light.'
In a social media update about the event, the USGS ShakeAlert posted, "Good evening Northern California! Did you feel the magnitude 4.5 earthquake about 2 miles northwest of Cobb at 6:34 pm? The #ShakeAlert system was activated for the first time in 2025." This system aims to provide early warning to residents in the seconds before shaking is felt, offering precious time to take protective actions.
Good evening Northern California! Did you feel the magnitude 4.5 earthquake about 2 miles northwest of Cobb at 6:34 pm? The #ShakeAlert system was activated for the first time in 2025. See: https://t.co/cbdRvNN0ip @Cal_OES @CAGeoSurvey @USGS_Quakes pic.twitter.com/1HpMuappKF
— USGS ShakeAlert (@USGS_ShakeAlert) January 2, 2025
