Quake Hits Los Angeles, Epicenter There, Not Ocean: Quake Emergency Mode

A magnitude 4.7 quake has just struck Los Angeles with the epicenter 9km NNW of Westwood.

A Los Angeles earthquake Monday just struck Southern California. The quake today March 17, 2014 began just before 6:30 am PST. 

The LA Fire Department reports it is in “earthquake emergency mode as crews survey our City by ground and air. There are NO reports yet of any quake related injuries or damage.”

Residents are being told to be prepared. Smaller quakes often precede a larger one.

Update: 7am PST:

The approximate epicenter of Monday morning’s very shallow quake was near Westwood.

It was reported Monday morning five miles from Westwood, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The temblor occurred at 6:25 a.m. PDT at a depth of 5.0 miles.

The quake was felt over a large area of Southern California where delays are possible due to the temblor.

The USGS has downgraded the quake to a 4.4 magntude. A spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department said no immediate reports of any damage or injuries have been made, as did Los Angeles Police Department also had no reports of damage.

The quake was felt most strongly in the Valley and Westside. According to the USGS “Did You Feel It” service, people reported feeling shaking as far east as Perris and as far south as San Clemente.

LALATE offices experienced a strong vertical movement, followed by a loud sound followed by a horizontal movement. Damage assessment is pending.

No injuries are reported.

Officials say a 4.7 magnitude struck Westwood moments ago.

The quake was felt in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, West Los Angeles, and neighboring areas. The quake is the strongest to hit SouthernCalifornia this year.

USGS indicates to news that the quake today 3/17/14 began at 6:25 am PST. The quake was shallow. It started only 5 miles below ground level. The quake was six miles from Westwood, six miles from Beverly Hills. It began seven miles from Santa Monica.

Quakes of this magnitude have most often been out in the Pacific Ocean in recent months. Most quakes to hit Los Angeles in the last few months have been further east or further west. Many of the quakes have been centered along the coast, south toward Corona, or east towards Palm Springs.

Source: LA Times