Magnitude 4.2 earthquake rocks Southern California, rattling residents

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — A magnitude 4.2 earthquake shook parts of Southern California on Wednesday night, according to the United States Geological Survey, rattling dishes and bolting residents out of their dinner seats.

The earthquake occurred shortly after 7:40 p.m. local time, nearly 2 miles southwest of San Bernardino, California, and at a depth of around 9.6 miles. Its magnitude was initially estimated "at/above magnitude 4.5" but was later downgraded, the USGS said.

"Good evening Southern California! Did you feel the M4.2 quake about 2 miles south of San Bernardino at 7:43 pm?" USGS ShakeAlert said on X, formerly Twitter.

San Bernardino is a city about 60 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

Residents outside the center reported feeling the tremor. According to the USGS' intensity map and "Did You Feel It" tool, the quake jolted areas from Los Angeles County and as far south as San Diego County and Tijuana, Mexico.

There were no immediate reports of damages or injuries. The USGS is asking residents to report if they felt the quake and where they were located during the earthquake, among other questions.

Shortly after the quake, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services reminded state residents to be prepared for earthquakes.

"Hey, San Bernardino area did you drop, cover and hold on? This is another important reminder to be prepared for earthquakes in California," the office said on X. "Sign up to receive alerts before you feel shaking and learn how you can be ready for the next one by visiting https://earthquake.ca.gov."

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