4.3-magnitude quake wakes San Francisco, seismologists say. ‘Strong earthquake’

A 4.3-magnitude earthquake woke the San Francisco Bay Area in California, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The nearly 5-mile deep quake hit about a mile east of Berkeley just before 3 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, according to the USGS.

More than 29,500 people from as far away as San Luis Obispo and Eugene, Oregon, had reported feeling the tremor to the agency as of 10:30 a.m.

“Omgggg i thought i was gonna die w that earthquake,” read one comment on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Wow that was a strong earthquake in SF,” another commenter wrote.

”Well now i can’t go back to sleep because i have just been reminded of my finite existence,” read another comment.

“Just experienced my 1st earthquake in San Francisco… I’m officially a Californian now,” read another X post.

“3am earthquake? just give all bay area workers the day off,” proposed someone on X.

A 2.6-magnitude aftershock hit nearby at about 8 a.m., seismologists reported. About 300 people reported feeling the tremor.

What to know about earthquakes

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale.

Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.

Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:

• If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
• If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.
• If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.
• If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.

“Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.”

Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.

Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.

“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.”

This story was originally published September 22, 2025 at 9:38 AM with the headline "4.3-magnitude quake wakes San Francisco, seismologists say. ‘Strong earthquake’."