A small but noticeable earthquake interrupted St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dublin, California, on Monday evening. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.9 magnitude quake, which was initially estimated at 4.2 before being adjusted. The shaking began at 7:46 p.m. PST, with the epicenter located about 3 miles west of Dublin.
Despite its relatively shallow depth of just over 7 miles, the tremor was strong enough to be felt by around 12,000 people across the East Bay Area. “We received thousands of reports,” said USGS scientist Robert DeGroot. “Most described rattling dishes, shaking windows, or a sensation like a heavy truck passing by.”
The quake’s effects reached as far as San Francisco, Sonoma, Monterey Bay, and even parts of the Central Valley. However, not everyone noticed—some were too busy with St. Patrick’s Day festivities. “I was in the shower and got a little scared,” shared a woman at Gallagher’s Pub in Dublin. Another patron admitted, “We didn’t feel it—we were more focused on the rain than the ground moving!”
The earthquake caused minor disruptions, including a one-hour halt in flights at San Francisco International Airport and a brief suspension of BART services while crews checked the tracks for safety.
This tremor occurred along the Calaveras Fault, part of a recent series of small quakes in California. Just a day earlier, a 4.1 magnitude quake had struck, followed by several smaller aftershocks. While experts continue monitoring the area, no damage or injuries were reported from Monday’s event—allowing the holiday celebrations to continue without further interruption.
For visitors and locals alike, earthquakes are an occasional reality in California. If you feel shaking, remember to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” until it passes. Most tremors are brief and harmless, but it’s always good to stay prepared!
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