California

Upgraded Quake Warning System Will Alert Californians a Few Seconds Sooner

The ShakeAlert system will now use data from real-time satellite sensors to speed up notifications.
Upgraded Quake Warning System Will Alert Californians a Few Seconds Sooner
The collapsed balcony of a house after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake off Northern California, in Rio Dell, Calif., on Dec. 20, 2022. Fred Greaves/Reuters
Jill McLaughlin
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Californians could get faster earthquake alerts after scientists added new real-time satellite sensors to the state’s ShakeAlert system.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its partners announced the upgrades June 5, which they say will help inform the public about potentially damaging quakes faster.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.