4.7 Earthquake Hits L.A.

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake hit Southern California on Sunday night. The quake, which lasted 15 seconds, was centered east of Los Angeles International Airport and was felt as far away as San Diego, according to the Los Angeles Times. There were no immediate reports of serious damage beyond some broken windows and items falling off of shelves. No serious injuries were reported either. According to U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Susan Hough, the quake was “a bit deep,” originating 8.4 miles below the surface. "That tends to make it less sharp—less of a jerky, abrupt motion.” The quake hit at 8:39 p.m. Pacific time, and was followed six minutes later by a lesser-magnitude aftershock. "It felt like all the windows were about to pop," said Joseph Poindexter, of Los Angeles, who was inside the Hollywood Park Casino. "It sounded like a big sonic boom. Everybody started running or ducking under the tables."