Introduction

On Friday, widespread shaking was felt in the mountains east of Los Angeles due to a magnitude-4.2 earthquake that occurred in the San Bernardino County community of Lytle Creek, located in the San Gabriel Mountains about 60 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. Initially reported as a magnitude-4.6 earthquake, it was later downgraded to 4.2.

Impact and Safety

Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries resulting from the earthquake.

Shaking Across Widespread Area

The shaking was reported across a widespread area, including Long Beach, Carson, parts of the San Fernando Valley, Riverside, San Bernardino, and portions of Orange County.

Fault Lines and Earthquake History

The earthquake occurred near the convergence of the San Andreas and San Jacinto earthquake faults, which adds to the seismic activity in the region.

In 1970, the same area was struck by a magnitude-5.2 earthquake. This earthquake was preceded by a magnitude-4.1 foreshock, and the main quake caused significant damage, such as knocking a radio station off the air and triggering mudslides and rockfalls that blocked roads.

Past Earthquakes in Los Angeles

Five months after the 1970 earthquake, the San Fernando Earthquake, also known as the Sylmar Earthquake, occurred with a devastating magnitude-6.5. This earthquake served as a reminder of the seismic activity in the region and the importance of earthquake preparedness.