5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Nevada With Tremors Felt Across Northern California

California was shaken by a 5.7-magnitude earthquake on April 13, 2026, with strong tremors experienced across Northern California.

The earthquake occurred near Silver Springs, Nevada, at around 6:29 p.m. PT, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter was located at 20 kilometers east-southeast of Silver Springs at a depth of 5 kilometers.

Notable quake, preliminary info: M 5.7 – 20 km ESE of Silver Springs, Nevada https://t.co/LLSMUX00z1

— USGS Earthquakes (@USGS_Quakes) April 14, 2026

The quake was felt by more than 6,000 people, according to the USGS’s earthquake reporting tool.

The shallow depth made the shaking at the surface stronger near the epicenter, where the felt intensity was recorded as level VII, indicating a very strong earthquake.

USGS identified this activity as the mainshock in an active earthquake sequence. Within hours, more than 110 aftershocks were recorded, signalling continued movement below the surface.

Communities near the epicenter have also recorded tremors, including Fallon and Stagecoach, where moderate shaking at level V was recorded. Further out, areas such as Reno, Nevada, and Carson City, Nevada, reported light shaking at levels IV and III.

The quake was also felt in communities across Northern California, including Sacramento.

According to the Sacramento Bee, residents in Sacramento received Shake Alert for the quake. 

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services reminded residents on social media to adopt the ‘drop, cover, and hold’ method when the shaking starts.

Hey Northern California. Did you feel it?

According to @USGS_Quakes, a M5.7 earthquake shook near Silver Springs, NV this evening. Don’t forget to drop, cover and hold on when shaking starts.

Visit https://t.co/gAgVUzlK8l to learn about #MyShake and get early warning of an… pic.twitter.com/yfJNV8uwda

— California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) April 14, 2026

The aftershocks from the mainshock are still active in the area. So far, around 121 quakes have been recorded in the region, according to the USGS.

The magnitudes of these quakes range from 1.5 to 3.9, with the strongest aftershock reaching magnitude 3.9. Most of the seismic activity remains tightly clustered within 17 to 21 kilometers southeast to east-southeast of Silver Springs.

Residents throughout California received warnings through systems such as MyShake and the USGS ShakeAlert network.

#ShakeAlert estimated that MMI 3 (weak) shaking reached CA causing alert delivery to phones. See how the MMI 3 (shown as MMI 2.5) polygon crossed into CA? See: https://t.co/BvZj2541lu @FEMARegion9 @EmergencyPrepNV pic.twitter.com/IRr9UL9YQF

— USGS ShakeAlert (@USGS_ShakeAlert) April 14, 2026

The initial alert was issued about 17 seconds after the earthquake began, with its peak magnitude estimate reaching 5.5.

The warning radius extended to roughly 61 kilometers before alerts were fully delivered. 

Secondary hazards remain limited. Authorities said the risk of landslides and liquefaction is low, with only small areas potentially affected. 

Population exposure to these hazards is also minimal, reducing the likelihood of widespread damage. However, isolated impacts cannot be ruled out in more vulnerable locations.

Looking ahead, aftershocks are expected to continue over the coming days. 

USGS forecasts indicate a near certainty of smaller events, with a 99% chance of magnitude 3 or higher quakes and an 86% chance of magnitude 4 or higher events within the next week. 

There is also 19% chance of a magnitude 5 aftershock and a smaller likelihood of stronger events.

Seismic activity is expected to decrease over time, though occasional stronger aftershocks may still occur. 

Authorities continue to advise residents to remain alert and follow standard safety guidance, including dropping, covering, and holding on during any shaking.

Earthquakes can happen as part of a sequence, aftershocks are normal and expected. If you feel the ground shake again, do not run outside.
Follow these three steps immediately:

DROP to your hands and knees
COVER your head and neck, get under a sturdy table or next to an interior… pic.twitter.com/hTHwHAAE1y

— NV Emergency Mgmt (@NVEmergencyMgmt) April 14, 2026