A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Mendocino County Tuesday afternoon, shaking rural areas southeast of Willits, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The agency said the earthquake occurred at 1:10 p.m. local time and was centered about 6 miles east-southeast of Willits. The impact depth was less than 5 miles, a depth that would have produced significant shaking near the surface.
Preliminary data from the USGS showed light to moderate shaking in the area. The initial quake was followed by two smaller earthquakes, each measuring less than magnitude 2.0.
The U.S. Geological Survey said a 3.8-magnitude earthquake struck about 90 minutes later about 7 miles east-southeast of Willits, followed by stronger aftershocks.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
The epicenter was in a rugged, sparsely populated area northeast of Ukiah, where earthquakes of this size are not uncommon.
It’s unclear what fault caused the quake. However, the Willits area is located near the Makama Fault, a long fault that cuts through California’s interior east of and parallel to the San Andreas River.
This article was originally published on 4.4 magnitude earthquake hits Northern California.