Gilroy earthquake rattles Bay Area: What shook, where it hit, and what to know today

A sharp jolt woke parts of the South Bay early Wednesday as a magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck east of Gilroy, followed minutes later by a pair of aftershocks that kept nerves on edge. The shaking was felt across Santa Clara County and into the wider Bay Area, prompting “earthquake near me” searches from San Jose to San Francisco and reminders to review quake readiness. Initial instruments pegged the mainshock just after 6:16 a.m. PT; subsequent automatic updates placed two follow-ups in the M2.7–M3.9 range within the next few minutes. No significant damage or injuries were immediately recorded, but light items fell from shelves and residents reported brief, abrupt shaking.

Earthquake today: timeline and location

Early data show the mainshock centered several miles east of Gilroy at shallow depth, a setting consistent with the complex network of faults that lace the southern Santa Clara Valley. The shaking came in a quick burst—typical for a small-to-moderate event—followed by aftershocks that arrived at roughly 6:18 a.m. and around 6:20 a.m. PT. Residents across Gilroy, Morgan Hill, San Jose, and parts of the Peninsula reported feeling the quake, with isolated reports as far north as Marin. Mobile alerts and regional early-warning systems triggered for some users near the epicenter given the intensity and proximity.

While the magnitude makes this a modest event by California standards, the location matters: the corridor from Hollister through Gilroy sits near multiple active faults, including strands related to the Calaveras and San Andreas systems. Even when a quake is not large, proximity to population centers can amplify its impact—particularly in older buildings, on soft soils, or in areas with poor anchoring of household items.

Gilroy earthquake in context: recent Bay Area seismic activity

If the jolts felt familiar, that’s because the region has been busy. In recent days, the Bay Area has logged a cluster of small quakes from the South Bay up through the East Bay, including multiple M2–M3 events near San Ramon and a separate M4-class shock farther north earlier in the week. Clustering like this is common and does not, on its own, indicate that a larger “Big One” is imminent. Seismologists emphasize that California experiences thousands of small earthquakes each year; most do little more than remind residents to keep their kits stocked and furniture secured.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s top of mind today:

• Mainshock: ~M4.0, just after 6:16 a.m. PT, east of Gilroy.

• Aftershocks: At least two in the M2.7–M3.9 range within minutes.

• Felt reports: Widespread across Santa Clara County; light shaking noted in parts of the greater Bay Area.

• Damage: No major damage or injuries verified as of the latest updates.

• Trend: Ongoing low-level swarm activity region-wide remains within typical background patterns.

“Earthquake near me”: what to check right now

When tremors hit, quick checks can prevent secondary hazards:

1. Gas and water: Smell for gas; if you detect a leak, turn off the valve and call your utility from outside. Look for water line drips that could lead to mold or structural damage.

2. Electrical: Scan for scorched outlets or tripped breakers; avoid using damaged appliances.

3. Falling hazards: Re-secure bookshelves, TVs, art, and kitchenware. Install straps and latches if you haven’t already.

4. Emergency kit: Confirm you have water (one gallon per person per day for three days), nonperishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a portable phone charger, a whistle, basic tools, and medications.

5. Family plan: Pick a safe room spot (drop, cover, and hold on under a sturdy table) and an out-of-neighborhood meet-up location. Practice before the next aftershock arrives.

Bay Area earthquake readiness: why this matters

The Gilroy earthquake underscores a persistent truth: even moderate quakes can disrupt dense, interconnected urban corridors. Transportation routes like US-101 and CA-152, critical water and power lines, and tech and agricultural operations all traverse faulted ground. Preparedness reduces downtime:

• Businesses: Bolt racks and servers; secure gas cylinders; maintain offline contact lists.

• Schools and childcare: Regular drills; heavy furniture anchored; emergency reunification protocols.

• Homeowners and renters: Brace water heaters; consider retrofits for older crawlspace homes; know your policy’s earthquake coverage (it’s typically separate).

What comes next for the Gilroy and South Bay area

Aftershocks are normal and can continue for days to weeks, tapering with time. Most will be too small to feel, though a few may be noticeable—especially close to the epicenter. The chance of a larger triggered event is not zero in the first 24–48 hours, but it declines quickly. Keep phones charged, enable alerts, and store shoes and a flashlight near the bed.

For residents asking “earthquakes today” or “earthquake SF,” official live maps and automated summaries update frequently and are the best way to track small changes in magnitude estimates or location as analysts refine the data. If you felt the shaking—especially if you’re outside the immediate Gilroy area—submitting a felt report helps scientists map intensity and improve future alerts.

Key takeaways for Santa Clara County and the Bay Area

• The Gilroy earthquake today was around M4.0, shallow, and widely felt but caused no major damage.

• Aftershocks followed quickly; more are possible, most likely small.

• The event fits ongoing regional activity, not necessarily a precursor to a larger quake.

• Use the moment to audit your earthquake kit and home safety. Small steps now pay off when the next tremor hits.

Recent updates indicate conditions are stable, with routine aftershock monitoring underway. If new assessments change the magnitude or location slightly, that reflects standard refinements as additional stations report in. Stay prepared, stay informed, and treat today’s jolt as a practical drill for California living.