UPDATE: A series of small earthquakes has struck near Big Bear Lake, California, rattling residents late Saturday night into Sunday morning. The most powerful tremor reached a magnitude of 3.5 and occurred at 3:41 a.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The earthquake cluster was centered in the San Bernardino Mountains, approximately 4 miles north of Big Bear Airport and 29 miles northeast of downtown San Bernardino. The first quake, registering a magnitude of 3.3, hit at 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a 3.4 magnitude tremor at 2:51 a.m.. An aftershock of magnitude 2.5 was reported at 5:54 a.m., with an additional 2.6 magnitude quake at 6:20 a.m.
Residents felt “weak” shaking across Big Bear, classified as a Level Three on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, which may feel similar to a truck passing nearby. While many experienced the tremors indoors, some may not have recognized it as an earthquake.
This seismic activity is significant as the last major earthquake to impact the Big Bear area was on June 28, 1992, when a magnitude 6.3 quake caused extensive damage but resulted in no fatalities. That earthquake was part of a sequence that included the powerful 7.3 magnitude Landers earthquake, which had devastating effects on the region.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, as small earthquakes can sometimes precede larger seismic events. The USGS continues to monitor the situation closely, and additional updates are expected as more data comes in.
The community is urged to prepare for potential aftershocks in the coming hours and days. For residents in the surrounding areas, it is crucial to stay informed and ready for any further developments as local authorities assess the impact of this morning’s seismic activity.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this situation unfolds. Sharing this information with family and friends can help ensure everyone remains safe and aware during this time of uncertainty.