Did you feel that? If you’re in San Jose or anywhere near Alum Rock, you probably woke up to a bit of a jolt this morning.
Honestly, it wasn't a massive one, but it was enough to make the coffee splash. At 6:54 a.m. PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026, a magnitude 3.1 earthquake struck about 14 miles east-northeast of East Foothills, right near the Alum Rock area. It wasn't just a lone shake, either. A tiny magnitude 0.9 aftershock followed it about 15 minutes later in almost the exact same spot.
This is just how life goes in the South Bay. We live on a geological jigsaw puzzle.
What Just Happened?
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake was centered at a depth of about 5.4 miles. That’s relatively shallow, which is why people in Milpitas, Livermore, and even over in Pleasanton reported feeling a quick "thump" or a light swaying. When you search for San Jose earthquake now, you’re seeing the immediate data from a network of sensors that catch everything from these "small-but-noticeable" shakers to the micro-tremors we don't even feel.
No damage. No injuries. Just a reminder that the ground beneath our feet is moving at about the same speed your fingernails grow.
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The Calaveras Fault is Waking Up
Why does this specific area keep rattling? Basically, it’s the Calaveras Fault. While everyone talks about the San Andreas—the big, scary celebrity of faults—the Calaveras is the one doing the heavy lifting in the East Bay and South Bay lately.
It’s a "creeping" fault.
This means it doesn't always stick and snap in one massive catastrophe; sometimes it just slides bit by bit. But don't let that fool you. The northern segment near San Ramon and the central part near Alum Rock are famous for "swarms." Just last week, the North Bay near Cloverdale got hit with a 4.2 magnitude quake, and the San Ramon area has been seeing dozens of small tremors over the last few months.
Experts like those at the UC Berkeley Seismology Lab keep a close eye on this because the Calaveras connects with the Hayward Fault near Dublin. If one goes, it can sometimes stress the other. It’s all connected.
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San Jose Earthquake Now: The Real Risks
If you live here, you've heard the stats. There is a 72% chance of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake hitting the Bay Area before 2043. That sounds like a long way off until you realize how fast the last ten years went.
San Jose is actually in a unique, kinda precarious spot. We are the largest city sitting directly on the path of these major fault lines. In 2019, the USGS updated their hazard maps, and it wasn't great news for the South Bay. The risk of significant damage in San Jose actually went up because of the way the "sedimentary basin"—the soft soil the city is built on—can amplify shaking.
Think of it like a bowl of Jell-O. If you shake the bowl, the Jell-O keeps wobbling long after the initial movement stops. That’s San Jose during a big one.
Misconceptions About "Earthquake Weather"
You'll hear people at the grocery store today saying, "Well, it's been so cold/hot/dry lately, it's earthquake weather."
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Nope.
Total myth. Earthquakes happen miles underground. They don't care if it's raining or if there’s a heatwave. The 1989 Loma Prieta quake happened on a beautiful, clear day during the World Series. Today’s 3.1 happened on a crisp January morning. There is no such thing as earthquake weather, just earthquake reality.
What You Should Actually Do Today
Since the San Jose earthquake now is likely top of mind because of this morning's jolt, use that nervous energy for something productive. Most people have a "kit," but is the water expired? Are the batteries corroded?
- Check your shoes. Keep a pair of sturdy sneakers and some socks right under your bed. If a bigger quake hits at 2 a.m., the first thing that happens is glass breaks. You don't want to be walking on shards of your bedside lamp in the dark.
- Strap the heavy stuff. If you have a tall bookshelf or a heavy TV that isn't anchored, today is the day to buy those $10 furniture straps at the hardware store.
- The "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" drill. Don't run outside. That’s how people get hit by falling bricks and glass. Get under a sturdy table.
The 3.1 magnitude quake this morning was a "gentle" nudge from the earth. It’s a reminder that we live in a beautiful, but geologically active, corner of the world. Stay informed, stay prepared, and keep an eye on the USGS "Did You Feel It?" maps to see just how far this morning's ripples traveled.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your emergency alerts: Make sure your smartphone has "Emergency Alerts" turned on in your settings. In California, the MyShake app can give you a few seconds of warning before the shaking starts.
- Inventory your water: You need one gallon of water per person, per day, for at least three days (ideally two weeks).
- Secure your water heater: Ensure it is strapped to the wall studs. A fallen water heater is a fire hazard and a lost source of clean water.