California: 5.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Ojai, SoCal Amid Downpour from Tropical Storm Hilary
The U.S. Geological Survey reported a preliminary magnitude 5.1 earthquake that shook parts of Southern California on Sunday afternoon, occurring as residents in the region prepared for the arrival of Tropical Storm Hilary. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

A significant magnitude 5.1 earthquake rocked the vicinity of Ojai on Sunday, creating tremors that reverberated across the wider Southern California region, according to LA Times.

This seismic event coincided with the presence of Tropical Storm Hilary, which had already brought heavy rains to the area.

The California earthquake struck precisely at 2:41 p.m., adding a layer of complexity to an already challenging weather scenario.

Upon feeling the tremors, Ventura County Fire took swift action, executing their earthquake response plan, which involved promptly moving trucks out of firehouses.

Scott Thomsen, Director of Communications with Ventura County Fire, reported that while no damage reports had surfaced at the time, diligent assessments were underway to ensure public safety.

Mayor Betsy Stix of Ojai confirmed that although a power line was down and a cellphone tower sustained damage, the overall impact appeared relatively minimal.

Mayor Stix shared her experience during the earthquake, recounting the rattling frames and quivering floor in her home office, prompting even the cats to scatter in alarm.

She remarked that this day, marked by both the tropical storm and the earthquake, would likely find its place in the annals of history.

Several Aftershocks Follow California Earthquake

In the aftermath of the initial earthquake, a series of aftershocks rippled through the region, some reaching magnitudes of nearly 4, as reported by the USGS, per USA TODAY.

Thankfully, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center ruled out any potential tsunamis resulting from seismic activity.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services confirmed that no major damage or injuries had been immediately reported, and assessments were conducted across various cities and counties.

Governor Gavin Newsom's office remained vigilant, closely monitoring Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Residents were advised to stay prepared for potential aftershocks, recognizing the need for continued vigilance.

Is Tropical Storm Hilary and California Earthquake Related?

Rumors of a possible connection between the earthquake and Tropical Storm Hilary led to questions about the relationship between these two natural events.

Dr. Lucy Jones explained that while there is no direct connection between underground plate activity and above-ground weather, substantial rainfall could potentially trigger seismic disturbances, NBC Los Angeles noted.

She pointed out that changes in water pressure in the ground can influence faults, particularly with the creation of large reservoirs that elevate pore pressure.

However, the occurrence of rain significantly altering underground pressure is reliant on a substantial shift in the water table, which hasn't been consistently observed.

Dr. Jones emphasized the human inclination to seek patterns to feel safer, but no definitive evidence has supported such a connection.

Dr. Jones dismissed any correlation between the recent earthquake near Ojai, California, and Tropical Storm Hilary.

She noted that a similarly sized earthquake occurred in the exact same location in 1932, along with another 5.1-magnitude earthquake west of Ojai in 1941.

Additionally, aftershocks from the 1994 Northridge earthquake were also experienced in the area.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Earthquake rocks Southern California amid Tropical Storm Hilary - From Fox 11 Los Angeles