Large Quake Rattles SoCal Monday Afternoon

BARSTOW, CA — A trio of earthquakes epicentered near Barstow, including a magnitude 4.7, jolted Southern California Monday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The first quake hit at 1 p.m. and was centered 13.6 miles northeast of Barstow in San Bernardino County and at a depth of 4.9 miles, according to the USGS.

Good afternoon Southern California! Did you feel the M4.9 earthquake about 14 northeast of Barstow at 1pm? The #ShakeAlert system was activated. https://t.co/bOjjtd5oKH@Cal_OES @CAGeoSurvey @USGS_Quakes @SBCounty pic.twitter.com/wuAFU5MVGD
— USGS ShakeAlert (@USGS_ShakeAlert) July 29, 2024

A second quake — a magnitude 3. 5 — hit three minutes later and a third quake — a 2.8 — struck at 1:05 p.m. They were epicentered around the same area, though at a shallower depth, according to the USGS.

The temblor could be felt across the region, including in Big Bear, Joshua Tree, Redlands and Los Angeles.

The first quake activated the early-warning ShakeAlert system, which sent push alerts to mobile devices, according to the USGS.

Yes, it was an earthquake. An M4.9 (current estimate) east of Barstow. We have seen quakes this size many times in the Mojave Desert.
— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) July 29, 2024

The USGS reported that the first quake caused strong shaking, with an intensity that could cause "light" damage. Authorities have not yet released information about any possible damage.

The Los Angeles Fire Department said it has not been placed on earthquake mode.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.