Earthquakes Today: 4.6 Earthquake Hits Santa Barbara, Isla Vista, Calif.; Tsunami Warning Issued

A 4.6 earthquake rocked California early Wednesday morning hitting the Santa Barbara, Calif., area, resulting in no injuries or reported damage. According to a U.S. Geological Study, or USGS, the quake struck Isla Vista, Calif., at 7:38 a.m., a seismologist ranking the natural occurrence as “light” on the Richter scale.

USGS warned those in the affected area to remain alert Wednesday, reporting expected strong aftershocks to occur hours, days, weeks and possibly even months after the first initial quake. According to the Los Angeles Times, two aftershocks occurred at the earthquake’s original location at 7:50 a.m., with a second occurring 1 mile west at 8:38 a.m., both ranking a 2.6 in magnitude. A warning of possible tsunamis and seismic sea waves was also issued for those dwelling in coastal areas. Residents are currently being warned to stay away from local beaches.

According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, Santa Barbara County Fire Station 17 Captain Michael Dalcerri confirmed there were no visible damages in the area. No reports of injuries have been reported.

According to a USGS "Did You Feel It?" report, 101 residents nearby the origin point reported feeling the quake in Santa Barbara, 102 in Lompoc and 274 in Goleta. The earthquake was originally deemed a 4.9 on the Richter scale but was soon after downgraded to 4.6.

California was last hit with two earthquakes last week, both reportedly ranking as "moderate." The quakes hit the Greenville area late Thursday and early Friday morning. The first was classified as a 5.7 on the Richter scale; the second, a 4.9. Both natural disasters resulted in minimal damage and no injuries. More than 7,000 California residents and some out-of-state residents in Oregon and Nevada reported feeling the quake.