4.2 magnitude earthquake rattles Los Angeles area, geologists say

A magnitude 4.2 earthquake rattled the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles early Thursday morning, according to data from the United States Geological Survey.

The temblor struck around 4:29 a.m., centered just more than a mile north of Pacoima, data show. A 3.3 magnitude earthquake rattled about 10 minutes later centered in roughly the same location.

The USGS has received more than 11,000 reports of shaking for the 4.2 magnitude temblor, with shaking reported as far south as Santa Ana and as far north as Tehachapi.

Reports indicate shaking was most intense — categorized as a V on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale — in the San Fernando Valley. The V is characterized as moderate shaking that is felt by many but not frightening to most.

People who experience shaking categorized as a V may see pictures swinging, small objects moving and some items falling from shelves. Occasionally, shaking of this intensity will cause plaster or windows to crack.

Magnitude “measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake,” while intensity is determined by the quake’s effect on buildings and people.

A number of celebrities took to social media to tweet about their experience.

This story was originally published July 30, 2020 at 5:57 AM.