Morning Earthquakes Rattle Southern California Near I-10 with M2.5–2.6 Tremors

Early Thursday morning, a series of small earthquakes rattled southern California, particularly near the I-10 corridor. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported tremors ranging from magnitude 2.5 to 2.6 across Riverside County and the Coachella Valley.

Details of the Tremors

The seismic events began late Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning. Here are the details of the quakes:

• First Earthquake: Magnitude 2.5 at 12:21 a.m. PST, located 12 km east-northeast of Thermal.
• Second Earthquake: Magnitude 2.6 at 5:32 a.m. PST, located 17 km east-northeast of Thousand Palms.
• Third Earthquake: Magnitude 2.5 at 1:34 a.m. PST, located 2 km east of San Jacinto.

All three quakes occurred at depths between 8 km and 14 km, typical for this seismically active area, which lies atop the San Jacinto Fault Zone.

Community Response

While these earthquakes are classified as minor, residents in the vicinity sometimes report feeling light shaking. However, the USGS received only a few “Did You Feel It?” responses, indicating limited impact from the tremors. No reports of damage or injuries have emerged as of Thursday morning.

Understanding Earthquake Clusters

Seismologists highlight that clusters of small earthquakes are common in the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley. Such occurrences do not necessarily indicate a larger seismic event is imminent. Nevertheless, they serve as a valuable reminder for residents to stay prepared.

Preparedness Tips

• Maintain an emergency supply kit.
• Review safety steps in case of an earthquake.

Residents near the I-10 corridor are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and to keep emergency plans updated.