USGS reports 4.4 quake centered in Berkeley rattles several parts of Bay Area

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Thursday, January 4, 2018
Strong quake felt across Bay Area
The USGS reports a 4.4 earthquake hit about three miles southeast of Emeryville at about 2:40 a.m.The United States Geological Survey reports a 4.4 earthquake hit about three miles southeast of Emeryville.

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- The United States Geological Survey reports a 4.4 earthquake was centered in Berkeley near Claremont Avenue at about 2:40 a.m. The shaking was felt across the Bay Area.

The quake on the Hayward Fault was initially reported a higher magnitude but later downgraded.

VIDEO: How active is the Hayward Fault?

"The last big earthquake on the Hayward fault happened about 150 years ago, in 1868. In fact the 150th anniversary is coming up -- we think that earthquake was a magnitude 6.8 or so. Through geologic excavations across the Hayward fault we've learned that there are earthquakes on at least the southern part of the Hayward fault every 140, 150, 160 years," said Keith Knudsen, U.S. Geological Survey.

A USGS official said the possibility of this morning's earthquake being a foreshock to a larger quake is only about 5 percent. There has been at least one aftershock and officials expect there to be more in the upcoming days.

RELATED: Residents across Bay Area report 4.4 earthquake

BART officials say there are no initial reports of damage to the system, but out of an "abundance of caution" the very first trains were run at a very reduced speed for inspections. Normal train service has since resumed.

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Click here for the latest coverage on earthquakes here in the Bay Area and around the world.

VIDEO: What to pack in your earthquake emergency kit

Recent small quakes around the Bay Area are good reminders to be prepared for when a larger one strikes.