Expert Dr. Lucy Jones says the earthquakes occurred in the San Jacinto fault and this increases the possibility of a stronger earthquake on that fault.
A series of earthquakes with an epicenter near Anza in southern Riverside County shook parts of southern California on Friday.
The strongest magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred on Friday night at 6:53 p.m. PT eight miles from Palm Springs and about 10 miles southeast of Anza, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
USGS reported at least six earthquakes in the area.
Aftershocks were also reported near Bombay Beach and Ocotillo Wells.
The earthquakes occurred between 6:53 p.m. and 7:05 p.m., according to the USGS.
The strongest earthquake occurred 13 miles from Palm Desert, 13 miles from La Quinta, 15 miles from Rancho Mirage and 18 miles from Cathedral City.
According to the USGS, it was felt in a wide area of San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties, and some people as far away as Los Angeles said they felt it. It was followed by several aftershocks.
On Twitter, earthquake expert Lucy Jones said the earthquake struck near or in the San Jacinto fault, which itself is capable of large M≥7 earthquakes and the possibility of an earthquake in that fault now increases,
There are no reports of damage.
