Earthquake rohnert park updates are in after a Sunday afternoon quake sequence rattled Sonoma County and was felt across parts of the Bay Area. Official seismic readings show the strongest jolt registered magnitude 4.0 at about 3:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with a shallow depth (roughly 1–2 miles) and an epicenter between Glen Ellen and Rohnert Park. Two notable follow-up quakes were recorded soon after: a magnitude 3.1 at about 3:38 p.m. PT and a magnitude 3.4 at about 4:04 p.m. PT near Kenwood. As of the latest confirmed updates available today, there have been no immediate, confirmed reports of injuries or major damage tied to this sequence.
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What happened Sunday afternoon in Sonoma County
The main quake struck in the mid-afternoon and quickly drew attention because early automated estimates briefly listed a higher magnitude before the final reviewed figure settled at 4.0. That kind of revision is common in the first minutes after a quake, as instruments collect more complete data and analysts refine the solution.
The location—between Glen Ellen and Rohnert Park—also contributed to how widely people noticed it. A shallow earthquake can produce sharper, more noticeable shaking close to the epicenter, even when the magnitude is moderate.
The two stronger follow-ups were recorded within about 35 minutes of the initial quake. In addition to those, smaller tremors were reported in the region around the same window, consistent with aftershock activity following a larger event.
Where the shaking was felt
Reports from around the Bay Area indicate light-to-moderate shaking was felt in and around:
- Rohnert Park and nearby communities
- Petaluma
- Santa Rosa
- Parts of the greater Bay Area, including cities farther south and east where some residents reported receiving alerts and feeling brief movement
Felt reports can vary widely even within the same neighborhood. Building type, local soil conditions, and how far you were from the epicenter can all change what it felt like.
Aftershocks: what residents should expect
Aftershocks are normal after a magnitude 4.0 quake, especially when the mainshock is shallow. Most aftershocks are smaller than the main event, but they can still be startling and, in rare cases, can cause minor additional impacts like small items falling or hairline cracks becoming more noticeable.
If you felt the main quake, it’s smart to stay ready for additional small tremors over the next day or two. That means keeping a flashlight handy, knowing where your shoes are (broken glass is a common post-quake hazard), and making sure heavy items at home are stable.
What officials have confirmed so far
Based on the latest verified details available today, these points are confirmed:
- The strongest quake in the sequence measured magnitude 4.0
- The main event occurred around 3:30 p.m. PT on December 14, 2025
- The epicenter was between Glen Ellen and Rohnert Park
- Two additional notable quakes followed soon after: 3.1 and 3.4
- No confirmed reports of major damage or injuries were included in the most recent public updates
If you see claims online about major destruction or widespread outages tied to this event, treat them cautiously unless they are backed by confirmed official statements.
What to check at home and around town
Even when there’s no major damage reported, a quick safety check is worth it—especially in older buildings or homes with unsecured fixtures.
Look for:
- Gas smell or hissing sounds (leave immediately if you suspect a leak)
- New cracks in walls or ceilings (small hairline cracks can be cosmetic; larger or widening cracks can be more concerning)
- Water leaks under sinks, around water heaters, or near exterior hose connections
- Shifted appliances (stoves, refrigerators, water heaters)
- Fallen items from shelves and cabinets
If you live in an apartment building or multi-unit complex, check common areas too—stairwells, entryways, and garages—since those are critical paths if another tremor hits.
Safety reminders if another tremor hits
If you feel another shake:
- Drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold on until the shaking stops
- Stay away from windows and tall furniture that could tip
- If you’re outside, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility lines
- If you’re driving, pull over safely and avoid stopping under overpasses
Why a magnitude 4.0 can still feel strong
Magnitude describes the energy released, but what you feel depends on several factors:
- Depth: shallow quakes often feel sharper nearby
- Distance: closer communities feel it more intensely
- Soil and geology: softer ground can amplify shaking
- Building design: taller structures can sway more noticeably
That’s why some people may have felt a quick jolt while others reported a rolling motion.
What this means for the week ahead
For most residents, the practical takeaway is simple: stay alert for aftershocks, do a quick home safety check, and make sure your basic emergency supplies are accessible. Moderate quakes like this one are also a good reminder to secure top-heavy furniture, strap water heaters, and keep essentials like a flashlight, phone charger, and first-aid basics in one easy-to-grab place.
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