Santa Rosa earthquake-A magnitude 3.3 earthquake shook Santa Rosa and surrounding communities in Sonoma County, California, on Thursday morning, September 3, 2026.
The earthquake struck at approximately 10:33 a.m. Pacific time. The U.S. Geological Survey placed its epicenter about two miles east-southeast of Larkfield-Wikiup and roughly three miles north-northwest of Santa Rosa.
No injuries or significant damage were immediately reported.
The earthquake was initially reported as having a preliminary magnitude of 3.5. After reviewing the seismic data, the USGS listed the event at magnitude 3.3. Such revisions are common as scientists receive more information from monitoring stations and refine their calculations.
Residents across parts of Sonoma County described a sudden jolt followed by several seconds of shaking. Reports were submitted from Santa Rosa, Windsor, Sebastopol, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati and other nearby communities.
Some people as far south as San Francisco and Berkeley also reported feeling weak shaking.
Where Did the Santa Rosa Earthquake Happen?
The USGS located the earthquake at a depth of approximately 5.5 miles, or 8.8 kilometers, beneath the surface.
Its coordinates placed the epicenter near Larkfield-Wikiup, an unincorporated community north of Santa Rosa and close to Windsor.
The earthquake occurred near the Rodgers Creek Fault, one of the significant active faults in the northern San Francisco Bay Area.
The shallow depth and proximity to populated communities helped make the earthquake noticeable despite its relatively modest magnitude.
Earthquakes that occur closer to the surface can sometimes feel sharper than deeper events of a similar magnitude. Local soil conditions and a person’s location inside a building can also affect how strongly the shaking is perceived.
How Strong Was the Earthquake?
A magnitude 3.3 earthquake is generally considered a minor seismic event.
Earthquakes of this size are often felt by people near the epicenter but are unlikely to cause substantial structural damage. They may rattle windows, shake dishes, move hanging objects or feel like a vehicle striking a building.
The USGS recorded community-reported shaking in the weak-to-light range. Some locations closer to the epicenter experienced movement approaching the light-to-moderate level.
More than 1,800 people submitted “Did You Feel It?” reports to the USGS following the earthquake.
These public reports help seismologists understand how shaking varied across different communities. They do not replace measurements from scientific instruments, but they provide useful information about how an earthquake was experienced by residents.
Was There Any Damage in Santa Rosa?
No significant damage or injuries were reported in the initial hours after the earthquake.
Emergency officials did not announce any major transportation disruptions, building collapses or widespread utility problems connected to the event.
Residents should still inspect their homes and workplaces if they felt strong movement. Even relatively small earthquakes can knock objects from shelves or affect property that was already damaged or unstable.
People should check for:
- Fallen or broken objects
- Cracks that were not present before the earthquake
- Damaged water or gas lines
- Unusual electrical problems
- Unstable shelves or furniture
- Broken glass
- Damage around chimneys or masonry
Anyone who smells gas should leave the building immediately and contact the utility company or emergency services from a safe location. Electrical switches and open flames should not be used when a gas leak is suspected.
Was the Earthquake Felt Outside Santa Rosa?
Shaking reports came from numerous parts of Sonoma County and the wider North Bay.
Residents in Windsor, which is close to the epicenter, reported some of the more noticeable shaking. The earthquake was also felt in Sebastopol, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati and Guerneville.
Some reports reached farther into the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco and Berkeley. Shaking at those greater distances was generally described as weak.
People on upper floors may notice small earthquakes more readily because taller buildings can move differently from structures closer to the ground.
Someone driving a vehicle or walking outdoors may not feel the same earthquake that is clearly noticeable to a person sitting quietly inside a building.
Is the Rodgers Creek Fault Dangerous?
The Rodgers Creek Fault runs through Sonoma County and forms part of the larger San Andreas fault system.
It is an active fault capable of producing earthquakes much stronger than the September 3 event. Scientists have studied it extensively because it passes near densely populated communities in the North Bay.
Santa Rosa has a long history of damaging earthquakes.
Two earthquakes with estimated magnitudes of approximately 5.6 and 5.7 struck the Santa Rosa area in October 1969. The city was also heavily affected by the historic 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
The September 3 earthquake does not mean that a larger earthquake is certain to occur. Scientists cannot predict the exact time, location or magnitude of a future earthquake.
Small earthquakes are common in seismically active parts of California. Most are not followed by a damaging event.
However, every felt earthquake can serve as a reminder for residents to review their emergency plans.
Could Aftershocks Follow?
Aftershocks are possible following any earthquake, although those associated with a magnitude 3.3 event are usually smaller and may not be felt.
An aftershock occurs in the same general area as the original earthquake while the surrounding crust adjusts to changes in stress.
Residents should follow USGS updates if additional shaking occurs. The magnitude and location of an earthquake may be revised as more seismic data becomes available.
If strong shaking begins, people indoors should remember the recommended safety instruction: Drop, Cover and Hold On.
Drop to your hands and knees, take cover beneath a sturdy table or desk, and hold onto it until the shaking stops. If no shelter is available, move away from windows and protect your head and neck.
People should not run outside during active shaking. Falling glass, bricks and exterior building materials can create serious hazards near entrances.
How Residents Can Prepare for Future Earthquakes
California residents should keep basic emergency supplies available even when there is no immediate threat.
A household preparedness kit may include:
- Drinking water
- Nonperishable food
- Prescription medication
- Flashlights and batteries
- A first-aid kit
- Portable phone chargers
- A battery-powered radio
- Copies of important documents
- Supplies for children and pets
- Sturdy shoes and work gloves
Heavy furniture, water heaters and large appliances should be properly secured. Families should also identify safe places in each room and establish a way to communicate if phone service becomes unreliable.
Earthquake-warning applications can sometimes provide several seconds of notice before strong shaking reaches a location. The amount of warning depends on the user’s distance from the epicenter and will not be available for every event.
Santa Rosa Earthquake Under Review
The September 3 earthquake has been reviewed by seismic authorities and is currently listed by the USGS at magnitude 3.3.
It occurred at 10:33 a.m. near Larkfield-Wikiup, north of Santa Rosa, at a depth of about 5.5 miles. More than 1,800 people reported feeling the earthquake, but no major damage or injuries were immediately identified.
Residents should continue following information from the USGS and local emergency agencies if additional seismic activity is detected.
Disclaimer: Earthquake measurements and damage information may be revised as scientists and emergency officials receive additional data. This report reflects information available at the time of publication. Call emergency services if you encounter an immediate threat to life or property.