Waking up to the floor vibrating isn't exactly the "California dream" everyone talks about, but for folks in the South Bay, it’s a reality we live with.
If you felt a rattle earlier this morning, you aren't imagining things. Around 6:54 AM, a 3.1 magnitude earthquake rumbled through the area, centered about 18.9 miles northeast of San Jose in the rural stretches of Santa Clara County. It wasn't a "big one," but it was enough to make the coffee splash.
The San Jose earthquake today: Breaking down the numbers
Honestly, a 3.1 magnitude is basically the earth's way of clearing its throat. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located near the East Foothills and Alum Rock area, specifically at a depth of about 8 kilometers.
That depth is pretty standard for the Calaveras and Hayward fault systems that crisscross our backyard.
While the shaking was brief—maybe a few seconds of a sharp jolt followed by a light roll—it was felt as far as Milpitas, Fremont, and parts of downtown San Jose. People on social media were quick to report that "did you feel that?" sensation, though most admit it was more of a startling alarm clock than a destructive event.
There have been no reports of damage to infrastructure or injuries.
Why the South Bay keeps shaking
You've probably noticed that we've had a string of these lately. Over the last week, the San Francisco Bay Area has seen over 26 earthquakes of magnitude 1.5 or greater.
It’s active.
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We live in a tectonic jigsaw puzzle. The San Jose earthquake today is just the latest reminder that the Calaveras Fault and the Hayward Fault are constantly under pressure. Seismologists like those at the UC Berkeley Seismology Lab often point out that these smaller quakes can actually be a good thing—sort of. They represent the crust adjusting, though they don't necessarily "prevent" a larger quake by releasing tension.
Misconceptions about "earthquake weather" or "the big one being overdue" usually fly around after a morning like this. The truth is, there's no such thing as earthquake weather.
Quakes happen in rain, sun, or fog.
The USGS uses a tool called "Did You Feel It?" to collect data from real people. If you felt the vibration, even if it was just a tiny sway of a hanging plant, reporting it helps scientists map the intensity and reach of the seismic waves. It’s basically crowdsourced science.
What most people get wrong about small quakes
A common myth is that a magnitude 3.0 is "half as strong" as a 6.0.
Math is weird here.
The Richter scale (and the modern Moment Magnitude Scale) is logarithmic. This means a 4.0 is actually 10 times more ground motion than a 3.0 and about 32 times more energy release. So, while today’s 3.1 felt like a truck driving past your house, a 6.1 would be a completely different animal.
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Staying ready for the next one
Living here means being prepared is just part of the rent. If you haven't checked your emergency kit in a while, take this morning's jolt as a nudge.
- Secure the heavy stuff: Check that your bookshelves and TVs are anchored; those are the things that actually cause injuries in moderate quakes.
- Update your phone: Make sure MyShake is installed and your emergency alerts are turned on in your settings.
- Water check: You need a gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
The San Jose earthquake today was a minor event, but it's a perfect drill. Use this moment to walk through your house and identify "triangle of life" spots or sturdy tables you can duck under.
Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly ones who might have been spooked by the early morning wake-up call. We're all in this together on this shifting ground.
Stay safe, keep your shoes near the bed, and maybe keep a lid on that coffee mug for the rest of the day.