Southern California was rocked by three earthquakes, which prompted quick reactions from first responders, utilities, and state officials.
On Monday, April 14, a series of earthquakes occurred close to Julian, California. The first and most powerful earthquake, measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale, struck at 10:08 a.m. local time (17:08 UTC), with a center located 5 kilometers south of Julian and a depth of 14.3 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
A second 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck 4 kilometers south-southeast of Julian at a depth of 12.6 kilometers approximately an hour later at 11:23 a.m. (18:23 UTC).
At 1:23 p.m. (20:23 UTC), the third earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.9, became apparent. It was 12.7 kilometers deep and 4 kilometers south of Julian.
At 1:23 p.m. (20:23 UTC), the third earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.9, became apparent. It was 12.7 kilometers deep and 4 kilometers south of Julian.
When the tremor struck, Ashley Carter, another resident, was working from home. “It just started going and it was getting worse, and then I got up and ran after the dog and we headed outside,” she said.
Dylan Carnero, the manager of a nearby liquor store, recalled his initial reaction when the shaking started. I stopped hearing the bottles popping and all that after that. He remarked, “My first instinct was to simply step outside, onto the street, and away from the buildings.”
Following the earthquakes, the office of Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X that he had received information about the state of affairs in San Diego County. Together with local authorities, the state is assessing the damage and determining whether assistance is required.
In order to assess damage, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) promptly activated its Emergency Operations Center. Crews started examining equipment close to the epicenter and proceeded outward as fast as safety permitted, according to a post on X from the company.
The utility company also cautioned the public to avoid damaged electrical equipment and reminded residents to call 911 or 1-800-411-SDGE (7343) to report gas leaks or downed power lines.
Despite the initial quake’s intensity, a San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesperson reported that no damage or injuries were reported.
Although San Diego was spared significant damage, other regions of the nation have not been as lucky, as severe weather events continue to affect numerous areas.
At least 18 people were killed in a deadly tornado outbreak that started on the evening of March 14 and ravaged parts of the Midwest and South. The following day, the storms grew stronger, resulting in extensive damage in Louisiana and Mississippi as well as a rare tornado emergency in Taylorsville, Mississippi.
In the middle of a #tornado outbreak – how about an #earthquake? M3.0 near Magee, MS. (Way too far from me to feel)
Pure coincidence, but things are nuts today! #MSwx pic.twitter.com/d6EafZjMJF
— Craig Ceecee, Ph.D. (@CC_StormWatch) March 15, 2025
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) warned of potential EF4 or stronger tornadoes, its highest threat level, days prior to the event. Before the severe weather moved south, the first twisters made landfall in Missouri and Arkansas.
The SPC received more than a dozen tornado reports on Saturday alone, with Mississippi and Alabama receiving the most. Within 45 minutes, at least two strong tornadoes struck Walthall County, Mississippi.
‼️🌪 NOW: Video: A giant tornado is on the ground near Tylertown Mississippi. Residents in the area are urged to take shelter and monitor emergency broadcasts
The storm system in Mississippi has been producing tornados since yesterday
Prayers for all 🙏🏻https://t.co/9lAbSYfnAw
— Diligent Denizen 🇺🇸 (@DiligentDenizen) March 15, 2025
Three confirmed deaths have occurred in Tylertown, but authorities warn that as rescue crews continue to comb through the rubble, the number could increase. According to early National Weather Service surveys, some of the most powerful tornadoes had winds of up to 165 mph and reached EF3 strength.
Even more powerful tornadoes may be discovered through ongoing damage assessments. Over 50,000 customers in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama were without power as of Saturday afternoon. Nearly 70 million people from the Northeast to Florida will be impacted by the severe weather threat, which is predicted to last until Sunday.
Mississippi was still recovering from the devastating tornado outbreak when an earthquake struck, adding to the destruction. Officials are trying to determine the complete extent of the damage caused by both natural disasters, and the seismic event made rescue and recovery efforts even more difficult.
The severity of destruction in an earthquake depends on factors such as proximity to the epicenter, soil composition, and structural integrity of buildings. The USGS reported four earthquakes near Hayward, California, on February 13, ranging from magnitude 2.7 to 3.6.
The earthquakes were centered close to each other, highlighting the region’s seismic vulnerability. Hayward sits on the Hayward Fault, a right-lateral, strike-slip fault that moves gradually, creeping at about 5 millimeters per year. The last major earthquake on this fault occurred in 1868, causing significant damage and property losses exceeding $300,000.
The USGS estimates a 27% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake striking the Hayward-Rodgers Creek Fault system within 30 years, and authorities are continuing to monitor seismic activity in the region. The last major rupture occurred in 1868, and the fault is overdue for another powerful earthquake.
