5.2 magnitude earthquake shakes Southern California

(FOX 5/KUSI) — A preliminary 5.2 magnitude earthquake shook Southern California at 10:08 a.m. Monday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake’s epicenter was around two miles south of the community of Julian, about 60 miles east of San Diego. The quake struck at a depth of about 8 miles, the USGS said.

A series of aftershocks shook the region in the hour after, with some stronger than magnitude 3.0.

The National Weather Service said a tsunami was not expected along the California coast.

Pat Abbott, a geology professor at San Diego State University, said to FOX 5/KUSI that the quake’s magnitude may not result in deaths or serious injuries, and that the area should be fortunate that the rainy season was drier than normal because of the lower risk of rock and mudslides.

The April 14 earthquake struck about 60 miles east of San Diego, near the community of Julian.

Abbott said that it appears the quake struck along the Elsinore Fault zone, adding, “It’s geologically expected movement on a fault that we know a lot about.”

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said that he had been briefed on the earthquake and that state authorities were working with local governments to determine if any damages were caused and what emergency response is needed.

More earthquake news and resources:

• This is how to prepare for and respond to an earthquake

• These California faults are of top concern to seismologists

• Which California landmarks are at risk from a massive earthquake?

• California’s largest earthquakes of the 21st century

Metrolink, a passenger train service between Los Angeles and San Diego, said it had closed its tracks between Orange County and San Diego County for inspections.

California is known for its strong seismic activity, with only Alaska recording more earthquakes per year.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.