San Francisco Earthquake Today: 4.2 Magnitude Quake Rattles Bay Area

At approximately 8:47 AM PST on February 2, 2026, a magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located 12 km (7.5 miles) southeast of Alum Rock (near San Jose), at a shallow depth of 8.9 km (5.5 miles).The quake was felt strongly across much of the region:San Francisco (intensity IV–V) Oakland, Berkeley, Palo Alto, San Jose Parts of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties Thousands of “Did You Feel It?” reports flooded USGS within minutes, with many describing “strong shaking” lasting 10–15 seconds. No major damage or injuries have been reported as of late morning. Minor incidents include cracked plaster, fallen items, and brief power flickers in older buildings.Quick FactsMagnitude: 4.2 (preliminary, subject to minor revision) Depth: 8.9 km (shallow → widely felt) Epicenter: 37.326°N, 121.802°W (near Alum Rock Park) Time: 08:47:12 PST Aftershocks: Several small aftershocks (M1.8–M2.6) recorded within first 2 hours; typical for this size event. Why It MattersA 4.2 is considered moderate — enough to rattle nerves and knock items off shelves, but rarely causes structural damage in modern buildings. However, it serves as a reminder of the Bay Area’s seismic risk:The region sits near the San Andreas, Hayward, and Calaveras faults. The “Big One” (M7.0+) on the Hayward or San Andreas is overdue (last major event on Hayward was 1868). Experts estimate a 33% chance of a M6.7+ quake in the next 30 years (USGS 2023 forecast). Safety Tips & What to Do NowDrop, Cover, Hold On — If another quake hits. Check for gas leaks, downed power lines, or structural damage. Avoid elevators and be cautious of aftershocks (most occur within hours/days). Download the MyShake app or sign up for USGS ShakeAlert for early warnings. At digital8hub.com, we cover earthquake updates, natural disaster preparedness, Bay Area safety, seismic science, and more. Looking for earthquake kits, home retrofitting guides, or real-time USGS monitoring tools? Check our safety and tech sections.Today’s quake was a wake-up call — not a crisis, but a reminder: the Big One is still out there. Stay prepared, Bay Area.