UPDATED: Banning Quake, Magnitude 4.4, Felt Thru SoCal

The United States Geological Survey is reporting a strong earthquake that occurred in the Banning Pass area this morning.

The earthquake, which rolled through the region at 6:42 a.m. local time, had an initial magnitude of 4.8, but was downgraded by 7:05 a.m. to 4.5, according to the USGS website.  It was later downgraded yet again to a 4.4.

The exact location was centered:

• 6km (4mi) NNW of Banning, California
• 9km (6mi) NE of Beaumont, California
• 14km (9mi) ESE of Yucaipa, California
• 22km (14mi) NNE of San Jacinto, California
• 450km (280mi) W of Phoenix, Arizona

The quake was felt as far away as Irvine, Fallbrook and Orange, according to the USGS website.

So far, neither the Banning Police Department nor the Riverside County Fire Department has received reports of damage or injuries. Police in Beaumont also report no calls for damage or injuries.

On Aug. 24, 2014, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake in the Northern California killed one person, injured more than 200 others and caused millions of dollars in damage. A swarm of more than 540 quakes in San Ramon rattled nerves in the East Bay area over the summer.

See Also:

• Are You Really Ready for the Next Big California Earthquake?
• Another East Bay Earthquake Added to Slowing Swarm of Shakers
• NAPA QUAKE 2014: Click here for Patch’s Full Earthquake Coverage

DID YOU FEEL IT? TELL US IN THE COMMENTS.

Banning-Beaumont Patch will update this breaking news story as more info becomes available. Refresh for the latest.