SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A 4.9-magnitude earthquake and several smaller shakeups recorded in Imperial County on Wednesday were reportedly felt in San Diego County.
The swarm of earthquakes was centered around the Westmorland area. While many of the smaller quakes were recorded between 2.5- and 3.7-magnitude, about 80 earthquakes measuring at least 2.5-magnitude were recorded between 4 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
The largest earthquake as of 5:45 p.m. registered at 4.9-magnitude, according to the agency's latest earthquakes map.
Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones tweeted that Wednesday's series of earthquakes was one of the largest swarms Imperial Valley has seen, adding that the area is historically active in swarms.
"The swarm happening now south of the Salton Sea, near Westmoreland is over 30 km south of the end of the San Andreas," Jones tweeted. "It is in the Brawley seismic zone, a common source of swarms. So far largest is M4.4. Too far from the San Andreas to change the probability of a quake on it."
The swarm happening now south of the Salton Sea, near Westmoreland is over 30 km south of the end of the San Andreas. It is in the Brawley seismic zone, a common source of swarms. So far largest is M4.4. Too far from the San Andreas to change the probability of a quake on it.
— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) September 30, 2020
None of the earthquakes that have been happening in the Imperial Valley are anywhere near the San Andreas fault. They are in the Brawley Seismic Zone - a network of small faults that connect the San Andreas and Imperial faults. Historically largest Brawley event was M5.8
— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) October 1, 2020
The USGS' "Did You Feel It?" form was filled with responses from San Diego County cities, including Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Jolla, and Vista.
There have not been any immediate reports of injuries or damages.
