Big Bear Feels 5.4 Quake in the Desert; 2.1 Magnitude Tremor Near Big Bear City

Big Bear Valley, CA — Yesterday evening’s big rattler, centered near Borrego Springs at 4:53pm, has (since our 5pm newscast) been downgraded to a magnitude 5.4 earthquake, per the U.S. Geological Survey, and has been followed by countless aftershocks in the area about 25 miles south of Palm Springs. Specific to the Big Bear Valley, we did have one earthquake centered about four miles north of Big Bear City last night, July 7, at 8:51pm; this quake registered a magnitude of 2.1. Per the County’s Office of Emergency Services, Wednesday’s 5.4 magnitude tremor wasn’t “the Big One,” but don’t let yourself be unprepared when it does occur. Earthquakes can strike at any time and it is always wise, notes the OES, to have an emergency supplies kit, a family disaster plan, and a supply of food and water for at least three days and, ideally, two weeks or more. For more information on earthquake preparedness, see our earlier “Quake Up Call” story, or visit the website of the Office of Emergency Services. Additional earthquake stories can be accessed by using the “Earthquake News” tab below.
Update: Since posting this story, we have had a 1.6 magnitude earthquake, centered five miles north northwest of Big Bear City, at 10:32 am July 8.