Bay Area Residents Awake to 4.3 Magnitude Earthquake Near Berkeley

Published: September 23, 2025, 04:30 EDT

Residents across the San Francisco Bay Area were awakened early Monday by a moderate earthquake centered near Berkeley. The 4.3 magnitude tremor caused minor property damage and disrupted transit, but no serious injuries were reported. Officials emphasized that such quakes are common in the region and typically cause limited impact.

Earthquake Details

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck just before 3 a.m., east-southeast of Berkeley, across the bay from San Francisco. The tremor was widely felt throughout the Bay Area, including in cities such as Oakland, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek.

Brayden Murdock, a seismologist with the National Weather Service in Monterey, noted, “As far as earthquakes go, this is the kind where people feel them, but there’s not a whole lot of impacts.”

Reports of Damage and Disruption

While no injuries were reported, several businesses experienced minor damage. Windows were broken, and merchandise fell from shelves in some stores.

Dave Clark, a news anchor for KTVU-TV in Oakland, shared his firsthand experience on social media: “Things were shaking in our newsroom. It caught everyone off guard.”

Impact on Transportation

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains experienced delays for several hours as crews conducted safety inspections across the system. Service returned to normal around midday, according to BART officials.

The USGS reported that the earthquake’s effects were felt as far as Salinas, roughly 100 miles (161 kilometers) south of Berkeley, demonstrating the broad reach of moderate quakes in Northern California.

Regional Seismic Context

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most seismically active regions in the United States. The last earthquake of similar magnitude near Berkeley occurred on January 4, 2018, registering 4.4 on the Richter scale.

Experts emphasize that moderate earthquakes are common in the region and usually do not cause serious damage, but they serve as reminders for residents and businesses to maintain earthquake preparedness measures.

Safety and Preparedness Recommendations

Authorities encourage residents to review earthquake safety protocols, secure heavy furniture, and maintain emergency supplies. Local emergency management agencies also stress the importance of remaining calm during tremors and following official updates from trusted sources such as the USGS and city authorities.

Outlook

While this 4.3 magnitude earthquake caused limited damage, it highlights the importance of ongoing preparedness in the Bay Area. Experts continue to monitor seismic activity and advise residents to stay informed about potential aftershocks.