If you were in Malibu, Idyllwild, or San Bernardino this weekend and felt the ground shake, you weren’t imagining things. A series of small earthquakes hit parts of Southern California, giving residents a not-so-gentle reminder that the Golden State is always on shaky ground.
Although none of the tremors were strong enough to cause damage, they were definitely felt by locals—and naturally, people are wondering: Could this be a warning of something bigger to come?
Malibu Wakes Up to a Jolt
The first quake struck early Saturday morning around 6:30 a.m., 6.8 miles from Malibu and just 9.5 miles from Thousand Oaks. It registered as a magnitude 3.5, which isn’t considered major, but it was strong enough to be felt by some residents.
Locals reported a quick jolt and a loud boom, but no damage or injuries were reported. Some people compared it to a large truck rumbling past their house, while others barely noticed it at all.
Idyllwild’s Afternoon Shake-Up
Later that day, around 2:16 p.m., another 3.5 magnitude earthquake hit just south of Idyllwild.
Residents in the area described it as a short but solid rumble. No damage was reported, but for those who felt it, it was a stark reminder that earthquakes can happen at any time.
San Bernardino Feels a Late-Night Tremor
As the weekend was winding down, another 2.6 magnitude earthquake struck near San Bernardino just before 11:00 p.m. on Sunday night.
Most people slept right through it, but those who were still awake described it as a light vibration, similar to a passing train or a big truck idling outside.
Again, no damage or injuries were reported.
Are These Small Quakes a Warning?
Whenever multiple earthquakes hit back-to-back, it’s natural to wonder: Is this a sign of something bigger coming?
Seismologists say that small quakes don’t necessarily mean a major earthquake is on the way. However, they do serve as a reminder that California sits on some of the most active fault lines in the world.
Dr. Lucy Jones, one of the top earthquake experts, has said it many times: “It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
How to Be Earthquake-Ready
If you felt one of these tremors, consider it a warning to check your emergency plan.
- Secure your home. Bolt down heavy furniture and TVs.
- Pack an emergency kit. Water, food, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies are essential.
- Make a safety plan. Know where to take cover and how to communicate with family.
- Stay informed. Download an earthquake alert app for real-time updates.
What’s Next?
For now, there’s no sign of a larger earthquake coming, but if you live in California, you already know it’s always best to be prepared.
Take this as a gentle reminder to double-check your safety plans—because the next one might not be so small.