Southern California took a one-two punch from nature on Sunday when a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck northwest of Los Angeles, rattling the region as residents hunkered down in preparation for Tropical Storm Hilary. This shocking combination of natural disasters meant Southern California saw its first earthquake of this magnitude since 1932 on the same day as its first tropical storm since 1939.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake first struck at 2:41 pm local time roughly four miles southeast of the town of Ojai in Ventura County, California. At least a dozen aftershocks followed, with some registering higher than magnitude 3.0. “Earthquake detected! Drop, cover, hold on. Protect yourself,” read an emergency alert sent out to area residents’ phones once the quake was detected. Fortunately, a statement from the Ventura County incident information website reports no injuries or damage have been attributed to the quake.
However, the same cannot be said for Tropical Storm Hilary.
After making landfall in the Baja Peninsula earlier on Sunday, the storm—downgraded from a hurricane—moved steadily north into California, bringing heavy rains, high winds, mudslides, and flash floods with it. Flooding has been a particular concern for California cities unprepared for this level of rainfall, leading to road closures and extensive damage.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Saturday ahead of both the storm and the quake which remains in effect as the destruction continues throughout Southern California. Residents have been advised to remain on high alert for further weather disturbances including earthquake aftershocks, flash floods, isolated tornadoes, and more.
Add comment