Tsunami warning for California after 7.0 magnitude earthquake hits

A tsunami warning has been issued following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of northern California.

The US National Tsunami Center issued the warning shortly before 11 a.m. local time on Thursday, affecting at least 5.3 million people in the state.

The warning for a tsunami is for the coastal areas of California and Oregon, stretching from Davenport, California, to Douglas/Lane Line in Oregon.

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According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred 100 kilometers (62 miles) south-west of Ferndale at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The earthquake was felt throughout Northern Carolina and as far south as San Francisco, where inhabitants experienced a rolling sensation for several seconds. It was followed by many minor aftershocks.

The warning covers the Californian coast.

Phones in the Santa Cruz area rang with a tsunami warning from the National Weather Service that said: "A series of powerful waves and strong currents may impact coasts near you. You're in danger. Stay away from coastal waterways. Move to high ground or inland right immediately. Stay away from the seaside until local officials confirm it is safe to return."

The USGS estimates that more than 1.3 million people resided close enough to the quake to feel it.

Several quakes have struck off the coast of northern California.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, or BART, has halted traffic in all directions via the undersea tunnel between San Francisco and Oakland.