No Tsunami Threat After 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southern California No Tsunami Threat After 5.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southern California

Officials confirm no risk of coastal flooding after inland quake centered near Julian, CA.
The quake was felt across Southern California and into Mexico
The quake was felt across Southern California and into Mexico

Earthquake Quick Facts

• A moderate earthquake originating in eastern San Diego County was felt as far north as Los Angeles.

• Initially reported as a magnitude 6.0 event, the U.S. Geological Survey later revised it to magnitude 5.2 following further analysis.

• Tremors were reported in multiple areas, including Los Angeles, Downey, San Pedro, Long Beach, and Pasadena.

• Seismologists believe the quake was likely linked to the Elsinore Fault, a major fault line in Southern California that runs roughly parallel to the better-known San Andreas Fault.

• According to the Southern California Earthquake Data Center, the Elsinore Fault is one of the region’s largest but least active, capable of producing significant earthquakes despite its relatively quiet history.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake hit at 1:36 p.m. PT, with the epicenter located about 9 miles southeast of Julian, a mountain town in eastern San Diego County. The quake had a depth of 7.9 kilometers (about 5 miles), which made it widely felt across Southern California.

Widespread Shaking Reported Across Counties

Shaking was reported throughout San Diego, Riverside, Orange, and parts of Los Angeles Counties. According to USGS “Did You Feel It?” responses, residents from Chula Vista to Temecula described moderate to light shaking. Some inland communities near Julian reported short, sharp jolts, while coastal cities experienced mild swaying.

Social media platforms quickly lit up with reactions. The hashtag #SanDiegoEarthquake trended regionally on X (formerly Twitter). Videos showed ceiling fixtures swaying and small items falling off shelves. One user in Mission Valley tweeted, “That was the strongest quake I’ve felt in years—whole building rocked.”

Watch footage of the moment an earthquake hit in East San Diego County:

No Major Injuries or Structural Damage

Emergency officials confirmed there were no injuries and no major damage reported as of late Monday afternoon. The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services activated its Earthquake Response Protocol but has since returned to standard operations.

A few minor rockslides occurred on mountain roads near Julian, and brief power outages were reported in Ramona and Alpine. SDG&E restored power to affected areas within two hours. No freeway closures were reported, but Caltrans advised caution on Highway 78 and Sunrise Highway, where falling rocks were cleared.

School and Transit Operations

All schools in San Diego Unified School District and surrounding districts remained open. Routine post-quake inspections found no damage.

Trolley and bus service through the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) paused briefly for checks but resumed within the hour.

Earthquake Shakes San Diego Region; Epicenter Near Julian, CA
Rocks fall onto SR-76 in northern San Diego County following Monday morning earthquake in San Diego (Photo: Caltrans San Diego)

Earthquake Early Warning System Performed as Designed

The California Earthquake Early Warning System, powered by ShakeAlert, successfully issued alerts to mobile phones seconds before the shaking began. According to Cal OES, thousands of residents received advance notice between 2–10 seconds, depending on their distance from the epicenter.

Dr. Sarah Richards, a geophysicist with USGS, emphasized the alert’s success:
"This quake is a textbook case of how our alert system can save lives. Even a few seconds of warning can make a difference—stopping trains, pausing surgeries, or just giving people time to take cover."

Aftershock Risk and Seismic Context

As of 6 p.m., USGS recorded two aftershocks, the largest being a 2.6 magnitude tremor southeast of Julian. Seismologists warn there is a 20–25% chance of a larger aftershock (M4.0+) within the next 72 hours.

Dr. Lucy Jones, one of California’s leading earthquake experts, noted the quake’s location near the Elsinore Fault Zone, which is capable of producing stronger events.
"This was a moderate quake in a seismically active region. It’s a reminder that Southern California is overdue for a major event—residents should treat this as a drill."

Preparedness and Safety Recommendations

Officials urge residents to review emergency kits and secure heavy objects at home. Recommended steps include:

  • Check for gas leaks, damaged water lines, and wall cracks.

  • Secure bookshelves, mirrors, and televisions.

  • Keep emergency supplies—water, food, flashlights, medication—easily accessible.

  • Sign up for alerts via MyShake App, ShakeAlertLA, or Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA).

  • Review your household’s earthquake plan and designated meeting spots.

Final Note

This 5.2 magnitude quake is the largest to strike San Diego County since 2020, when a 4.9 tremor hit near Borrego Springs. While no serious damage occurred today, experts stress that earthquake preparedness is not optional in California.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
For real-time updates and safety alerts, visit earthquake.usgs.gov or follow @USGS and @Cal_OES on social media.