Experiencing Southern California Earthquakes: July 4th and 5th, 2019

On July 4, 2019, Southern California was hit by a series of earthquakes that left many residents feeling shaken. The intensity ranged from mild sensations to intense rolling motions, depending on their proximity to the epicenter. While personal experiences vary, this article will explore how these quakes felt to those in the areas affected.

Public Experiences

Beyond personal discussions, there were numerous reports shared on social platforms. One KTLA 5 News viewera described the sensation as though a car had hit their house, noting:

"It felt like a car had hit the side of my house.”

Another reported feeling the ground shake, with the vibrations causing their door to creak:

"In Fontana and felt it. Shook my door and thought someone was knocking on it till the entire house shook."

Despite not being in Southern California, these descriptions provide a vivid picture of the earthquake's impact on the region.

Personal Accounts

While many were affected, personal experiences varied. Living approximately 150 miles from the epicenter, the soil composition amplified the seismic waves, causing a significant motion even in the narrator's household. The rolling motion was intense, making it difficult to walk and even causing the sensation of dizzy spells.

According to another personal account:

"It was pretty intense. A constant rolling motion that increased in intensity rapidly. It made walking across the floor difficult. It felt like a person was having dizzy spells."

These experiences underscore the varied feelings of residents living from different distances from the epicenter.

Proximity and Impact

In L.A. near downtown, the quakes were felt but not necessarily recognized as major tremors. The narrator describes the downtown LA scenario, noting:

"In L.A. near downtown. These did not feel like big earthquakes but they were longer than most small quakes."

The narrator was in the shower when the July 4th quake hit, experiencing a surreal sensation as their body went into a surfer stance. This humorous anecdote illustrates how earthquakes can affect even mundane actions and perceptions.

Timeline and Impact

The July 4th quake, lasting around 40 seconds, was described as a rolling action. The uncertainty of the epicenter heightened the concern for many. The July 5th evening quake was more pronounced, with a duration of about two minutes. Despite the longer duration, the narrator had prior knowledge of the epicenter's location, which influenced their reaction:

"The July 5th evening quake was quite a bit stronger and longer. It lasted a good 2 minutes. I know this because I recorded video of it. But since I already knew the epicenter was 130 miles away I was less concerned."

This account highlights the importance of information in managing earthquake fears and reactions.

Conclusion

Earthquakes, particularly in an area like Southern California, can impact people differently based on their proximity to the epicenter and the soil composition of their region. From mild sensations to intense rolling motions, personal experiences vary widely. What remains is the shared understanding of the need for safety and preparedness during such events.

Keywords: earthquake, southern california, seismic experience