California quake leads to renewed calls for earthquake early-warning system after Napa temblor

The earthquake-damaged historic winery building dating from 1886 at Trefethen Family Vineyards leans Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Napa, Calif. The winery hopes to save the building that is in danger of collapse after San Francisco Bay Area's strongest earthquake in 25 years struck the heart of California's wine country early Sunday. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (The Associated Press)

Owner Janet Trefethen, right, and president Jon Ruel, left, talk about the earthquake damage to the historic winery building, seen in the background, dating from 1886 at Trefethen Family Vineyards Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, in Napa, Calif. The winery is hopeful they can save the building after San Francisco Bay Area's strongest earthquake in 25 years struck the heart of California's wine country early Sunday. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) (The Associated Press)

SAN FRANCISCO – In the coming years, Californians could have valuable seconds of warning before earthquakes such as this week's wine country temblor strike.

Earthquake early warning systems that provide such notice are in place in Mexico and Japan. But California has lagged behind those countries.

Sunday's rolling 6.0 shake near Napa has led to renewed calls for its quick deployment before another, possibly more destructive temblor strikes. Researchers are testing a system that could provide tens of seconds of warning, but it is not available for public use.

The state, meanwhile, has directed its Office of Emergency Services to develop an early-warning system and identify funding sources. The system would cost about $80 million.