Live California earthquake updates: Aftershocks continue to rattle NorCal following 7.0 quake

As aftershocks hit hundreds of miles away from San Francisco, the tsunami warning led many to evacuate to higher ground.

As aftershocks hit hundreds of miles away from San Francisco, the tsunami warning led many to evacuate to higher ground.

Seismic experts recommend to be at least 100 feet above sea level in case of a tsunami.

"That was a loud reminder that we live in earthquake country this morning," said Captain Justin Schorr, San Francisco Fire Department.

A mass text message from the National Weather Service was deployed around 10:44 a.m. on Thursday urging people to evacuate. In San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood, a video shows many people driving up the hill for safety.

"I was riding Muni into work from the Castro and all of a sudden, everyone's phone started going off on the Muni and it startled me at first," said Russell Phillips, a San Francisco resident.

Signs along the waterfront reminded people where to go.

"It was kind of scary. I didn't know what to think," said Jacob Mundy a tourist from visiting San Francisco from Australia.

SFFD is reminding Bay Area residents to be prepare for at least 72 hours in case of an earthquake or a tsunami.

"You need to have at least a gallon of water per person per day. You need to also have consumables, food that is not going to spoil easily. You need to keep refreshing your kit," said Captain Schorr.

Traffic was heavy along coastal roadways in San Mateo County Thursday. Many residents in towns along the coast evacuated after the earthquake and tsunami warning.

Traffic was heavy along coastal roadways in San Mateo County Thursday. Many residents in towns along the coast evacuated after the earthquake and tsunami warning.

"Many of our residents decided to drive out of Half Moon Bay. Highway 92 was bumper to bumper. Highway 1 was bumper to bumper," said Half Moon Bay Mayor Joaquin Jimenez.

At one point in Half Moon Bay, sheriffs deputies shut down a portion of Highway 1.

Law enforcement urged people to get to higher ground.

"We quickly brought more resources to the coast because we know the vulnerability with tsunamis. So we had other resources right at the ready to come," said San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus.

One of those who evacuated was Barbara's Fishtrap employee, Pedro Zapata.

"I called my wife and my daughter and they said we have to go we're getting these notices. So we just went up to the highlands and waited," Zapata said.

Zapata says he and his colleagues had just opened the popular spot for lunch when the tsunami warning was issued.

He says the restaurant's owner called staff and told them to shut down.

"We were already open with a couple of customers inside. But we told them they had to go," said Zapata.

After the tsunami warning was canceled later in the day, we saw several people returning back into town and businesses reopening.

And while the the worst never materialized for these residents, the terrifying moments are ones they won't soon forget.

"Unbelievable. When I got off of 280 I saw all these cars. And there were police cars and ambulances and fire trucks. And I thought something really serious is going on," said Joe Munoz.

Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal said residents experienced some cracks in their homes' foundations, as well as broken glass and windows, but nothing severe.

Honsal said he was in his office in the 75-year-old courthouse in downtown Eureka when he felt the quake.

"We're used to it. It is known as 'earthquake country' up here," he said. "It wasn't a sharp jolt. It was a slow roller, but significant."

Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones joined ABC7 News to break down the science behind Thursday's 7.0 earthquake in Humboldt County.

Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones joined ABC7 News to break down the science behind Thursday's 7.0 earthquake in Humboldt County.

Watch the full interview in the media player above.