5.3 Earthquake Strikes Near Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of California near Channel Islands Thursday morning at about 12: 30 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Seismologists warn Southern California residents to expect some good-sized aftershocks over the next few days.

The quake's epicenter was 36 miles southwest of the Channel Islands according to authorities. There was no immediate threat of a tsunami, according to the National Weather Service.

Residents reported feeling the quake as short and rolling. The strong earthquake rocked the region and could be felt as far south as Orange County. Residents reported tall building swaying across West Los Angeles and into the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.

Expect more to come, said Caltech Seismologist Jen Andrews.

"We can expect aftershocks in the next few days," Andrews said.

Aftershocks associated with an earthquake of this size generally can be as big as a magnitude 4-4.5 quake, she added. Over time, they will generally diminish in size.

The quake is the largest to hit the Los Angeles area since the La Habra earthquake of 2014, said Andrews. This one struck offshore in an area where there are multiple fault segments that run northwest and southeast. Experts have yet to identify the exact fault associated with the temblor.

There are no immediate reports of damage. The Los Angeles Fire Department went into "earthquake mode," in which crews pull their trucks out of stations and begin sweeping neighborhoods to check for damage to key infrastructure, such as roadways and bridges.

Los Angeles police were also making checks of "infrastructure and critical locations."

Officials will hold a 1:30 p.m. press conference to discuss the quake.

Authorities are reminding residents to formulate an escape plan, prepare and earthquake kit for their homes and cars and follow the advice to "drop, cover and hold on" when shaking occurs.

Caltech seismologist Susan Hough said the university's seismology lab in Pasadena received a roughly 10-second warning of the quake through the still- under-development early warning system.

City News Service contributed to this report. Image courtesy of the USGS