Tsunami warning canceled after 7.0 earthquake shakes California, Oregon

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Northern California at 10:44 a.m. PST, with shaking felt across the region. The epicenter was 39 miles west of Petrolia, California, and was very shallow, occurring less than 1 mile below the Earth's surface.

Moments after the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued due to the initial fear that a destructive wave of water could surge into the coast of California and Oregon. The warning included the San Francisco Bay area.

At 11:54 a.m. PST, the tsunami warning was canceled by the National Tsunami Warning Center after it was determined the earthquake did not generate a tsunami.

"The earthquake was primarily strike-slip, meaning two tectonic plates slid past each other. These types of earthquakes are less likely to cause tsunami because their movement is primarily horizontal with minimal vertical movement of the ocean floor," the USGS explained.

There have already been more than 20 aftershocks of at least magnitude 2.5 or higher.

The last time an earthquake of similar power struck off the coast of Northern California was nearly two decades ago. On June 15, 2005, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred in a similar area as Thursday's tremor.

Tens of thousands of people reportedly felt Thursday's earthquake, and people pulled out their phones to capture video as it unfolded.

People in buildings witnessed signs and chandeliers swaying back and forth. Homeowners with pools also saw the water slosh around, occasionally spilling over the sides.

There have been no immediate reports of serious injuries, but the tremor did cause damage to local buildings, including Golden Gait Mercantile, a store in Ferndale, California.

"It was a strong quake, our building shook," store owner Julie Kreitzer told The Associated Press. "We lost a lot of stuff," the added. "I have to try and salvage something for the holidays because it's going to be a tough year."