Honestly, if you're standing on California soil right now, there's probably a tremor happening somewhere beneath your feet. It’s just the reality of living on the edge of the Pacific and North American plates. You might not feel them all—in fact, you definitely won't—but the state is basically a giant, slow-motion jigsaw puzzle that's constantly grinding its pieces together.
Is there earthquakes in california today? Yes. Hundreds. Every single week.
Just this morning, January 16, 2026, the sensors at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have been lighting up like a Christmas tree. We've seen a M3.4 near Morongo Valley and a M3.0 up by Alum Rock. These aren't "the big one," but they're constant reminders that the ground is never truly still here.
Why the Ground Won't Stop Shaking
California is essentially "Earthquake Central" because of the San Andreas Fault. It's the most famous crack in the world for a reason. This 800-mile monster is the boundary where the Pacific Plate is sliding northwest past the North American Plate.
But it’s not a smooth slide. It’s more like two pieces of rough sandpaper being dragged against each other. They get stuck. Pressure builds up for decades. Then, snap.
That snap is the earthquake.
Most people think of the San Andreas as a single line, but it’s actually a messy "system" of hundreds of smaller faults. You've got the Hayward Fault in the East Bay, the San Jacinto Fault in the Inland Empire, and the Newport-Inglewood Fault running right through the heart of Los Angeles.
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The "Big One" and the 2026 Forecast
You've probably heard the rumors. People love to talk about California falling into the ocean (spoiler: it won't). However, the scientific forecast for 2026 is actually causing some genuine concern among seismologists.
Recent data from the Uniform California Earthquake Rupture Forecast (UCERF3) suggests that the likelihood of a Magnitude 8.0 or larger event has actually increased. Why? Because we're learning that faults don't always act alone. They can "jump" from one to another. A rupture on the San Andreas could trigger a rupture on the San Jacinto, creating a "supershear" event that moves faster than the speed of sound through the rock.
Recent Notable Activity
To put things in perspective, let’s look at the "relentless" swarms we've seen lately:
- San Ramon Swarm (Late 2025): Residents in the East Bay felt over 300 small quakes in a single month. It was exhausting.
- Lassen Volcanic Park (Dec 2025): A M4.7 shaker reminded everyone that Northern California’s volcanic regions are just as jumpy as the coast.
- The Malibu "Coastal Jolt" (2024-2025): A series of M4.0+ quakes kept Southern Californians on edge for nearly a year.
Is this a precursor to something huge? Scientists like Dr. Yehuda Ben-Zion from the Statewide California Earthquake Center say we can't be sure. But they do say with 100% certainty that we are "due" in several areas, particularly the southern section of the San Andreas, which hasn't had a major release of pressure in over 300 years.
The Science of "Swarms"
Sometimes the earth just gets the hiccups. We call these earthquake swarms.
Unlike a typical earthquake that has one big mainshock and then smaller aftershocks, a swarm is a cluster of similar-sized quakes that can last for weeks. They’re usually small, but they’re psychologically taxing.
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In January 2026, we've seen a lot of this "micro-activity" near The Geysers in Northern California. Most of these are tiny—Magnitude 1.5 or less—caused by geothermal activity. You'd never feel them, but they’re vital for researchers. New studies from UC Davis are actually using these "tiny quakes" to map hidden faults that we didn't even know existed five years ago.
What Most People Get Wrong About Earthquake Safety
Living here, you’d think we’d all be experts. We’re not.
Most people still think the best thing to do is run outside or stand in a doorway. Do not do that. Doorways in modern homes aren't stronger than any other part of the house, and running outside is how you get hit by falling glass or bricks.
The mantra is still Drop, Cover, and Hold On. 1. Drop to your hands and knees.
2. Cover your head and neck under a sturdy table or desk.
3. Hold On to your shelter until the shaking stops.
The Cost of Living on the Edge
If you own a home here, the earthquake talk isn't just about safety—it's about the wallet.
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. You have to buy a separate policy, usually through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). In 2026, we’re seeing a massive push for "retrofitting."
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If you have an older "crawl space" home built before 1980, it's basically sitting on stilts. An earthquake can knock it right off its foundation. The CEA is currently offering grants to help people "Brace and Bolt" their homes. It’s expensive, sure, but it’s a lot cheaper than watching your house slide six feet to the left during a M7.0.
Is California Safe to Visit?
Tourists ask this all the time.
Look, the odds of a major earthquake happening during your 4-day trip to Disneyland or the Golden Gate Bridge are statistically very low. California has some of the strictest building codes in the world. Modern skyscrapers in LA and San Francisco are designed to sway and absorb the energy. You're likely safer in a San Francisco high-rise during a quake than in an old unreinforced brick building in a state that "doesn't have earthquakes."
Actionable Steps for 2026
Don't just live in fear. Take the "2026 Earthquake Audit" of your own life:
- Download the MyShake App: This is a literal lifesaver. It uses your phone's sensors to give you a few seconds of warning before the shaking starts. Those 5 to 10 seconds are enough to get under a table.
- Secure Your Furniture: This is the most common cause of injury. Bolt your bookshelves to the wall. Use "quake putty" for your expensive vases. Seriously.
- Check Your Water: You need one gallon per person, per day. Aim for a 14-day supply. In a major quake, the water lines will break.
- The "Go-Bag": Keep a pair of sturdy shoes and a flashlight under your bed. If a quake hits at 2:00 AM, the floor will be covered in broken glass and the power will be out. You don't want to be barefoot in the dark.
The question isn't whether there are earthquakes in California—the question is whether you're ready for the one you'll eventually feel. Stay informed, keep your shoes under the bed, and remember: the ground is moving, even if you can't feel it yet.