Magnitude 4.9 earthquake rattles Southern California
A magnitude 4.9 earthquake followed by several strong aftershocks were felt across Southern California early Monday afternoon.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake struck at 1 p.m., with the epicenter roughly 13 miles northeast of Barstow in San Bernardino County. The impact was felt across a wide swath of Southern California, including metropolitan Los Angeles and northern San Diego County.
The USGS initially measured the quake as a 5.1 magnitude but quickly downgraded it to 4.9. It was followed by several significant aftershocks measuring 3.5 and 2.7.
There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Shane Hernandez, a spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol, said officers were inspecting key infrastructure, including bridges and overpasses.
“This one felt like a little bit of rolling,” Hernandez told KTLA 5 News. “And then, as the aftershocks came in, it felt a little like it was pushing up towards us … It just seemed like it never stopped.”
Barstow is located approximately 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles along the heavily traveled Interstate 15 corridor.
Thousands of earthquakes are recorded in California each year, but the vast majority are extremely minor. According to the USGS, only several hundred are greater than magnitude 3.0, and only about 15 to 20 are greater than magnitude 4.0.
In the continental United States, only Alaska records more quakes per year than California.
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