On 20,2023 Sunday, an earthquake shook southern California, which is in the path of Hurricane Hilary. The epicentre of the 5.1-magnitude quake occurred four miles southeast of Ojai, about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake occurred at 2:41 p.m. and was reportedly 14.6 kilometres deep. Several aftershocks with magnitudes of 3.0 and higher followed. According to the USGS, no places are predicted to be harmed by landslides or liquefaction.
The National Emergency Notification System (ENS) issued earthquake notifications with a preliminary magnitude of 5.0.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass wrote on Twitter (now known as X): “Following the 5.1 earthquake near Ojai this afternoon, our @LAFD is now in Earthquake Operation mode.”
Following the 5.1 earthquake near Ojai this afternoon, our @LAFD is now in Earthquake Operation mode.
All 106 neighborhood fire stations will conduct a strategic survey.
There are currently no significant initial reports of structural damage or injuries.
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) August 20, 2023
For further information about Hurricane Hilary, you can visit the following:
- Where is Hurricane Hilary? Category 1 Storm Information for Arizonans
- Hurricane Hilary Tracker: Category 4 Storm Forecast to Bring Heavy Rain
“All 106 neighbourhood fire stations will conduct a strategic survey,” she continued. “There are no significant initial reports of structural damage or injuries.”
The Los Angeles Fire Department said: “This survey will be conducted from the ground, air and sea. Once this process is complete and reports are consolidated, Earthquake mode will be complete assuming no significant damage. This process typically takes less than one hour.”
The National Weather Service Los Angeles tweeted, “There is NO Tsunami threat for southern California. Again, a Tsunami is NOT expected.” ENS also confirmed in a tweet that “no tsunami warnings are in effect.”
A moderate earthquake just occurred near #Ojai CA. There is NO Tsunami threat for southern California. Again, a Tsunami is NOT expected. #cawx https://t.co/26GxqeSZQB
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) August 20, 2023
NATIONAL: No tsunami warnings are in effect. A test message went out on some apps. (Source: NTWC)
— U.S. Emergency Alert (@ENSAlerts) August 15, 2023
However, the National Hurricane Center’s latest public advisory forecasts that “a couple of tornadoes are possible” through Sunday evening.