A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Southern California on a day the United States celebrates one more year of independence.
The quake was centered in Searles Valley, a remote area of Kern County, which is 100 miles from LA. It started at 10:33 a.m. and lasted about 30 seconds, according to the Los Angeles Times.
There is a “One in 20 chance” this is not the largest shock in that area over the next few days, according to seismologist Lucy Jones.
"We should be expecting lots of aftershocks and some of them will be bigger than the 3s we've been having so far," says USGS seismologist Lucy Jones on the earthquake that struck Southern California. "I think the chance of having a magnitude 5…it's probably greater than 50-50." pic.twitter.com/kB1yGs5syq
— CNN News Central (@NewsCentralCNN) July 4, 2019
The effects of this quake were also felt in Arizona, Nevada and Sacramento. The last time an earthquake went above 6.0 in Southern California was 1999.
Since the initial earthquake, there have been more than 40 recorded aftershocks, with at least five registering as a 4.0 magnitude or higher, according to the United States Geological Survey.
After receiving a large number of calls, emergency services requested that people only call in the case of injury or dangerous situations.
“We are very much aware of the significant earthquake that just occurred in Southern California. Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 unless there are injuries or other dangerous conditions. Don’t call for questions please,” the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a tweet.
