5.2 magnitude earthquake centered near Lamont shakes Southern California

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake that struck in Kern County on Tuesday evening shook much of Southern California, and was followed by a series of smaller aftershocks, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake occurred at 9:09 p.m., with the epicenter roughly 14 miles northeast of Lamont. The 5.2 magnitude earthquake was followed by a 4.5 magnitude aftershock about a minute later, according to the USGS. That was then followed by a series of aftershocks in rapid succession; more than two dozen additional small aftershocks occurred over the ensuing hour.

The initial earthquake was reportedly felt as far as Los Angeles and Riverside County. People reported the shaking lasting several seconds and was felt from the high desert to downtown Los Angeles.

There were no immediate reports of damage in Southern California.

Immediately following the quake, the Los Angeles Fire Department said that “pursuant to protocol, the LAFD is now in earthquake mode, as personnel from all 106 neighborhood fire stations conduct a strategic survey by land, air and sea of their districts, examining critical infrastructure and areas of local concern across our 470 square mile city of Los Angeles jurisdiction.”

The department announced shortly after 10 p.m. that the survey was complete, and “No significant infra/structure damage or injuries have been noted within the city of Los Angeles. “

Officials also encouraged residents to use the event as a reminder to prepare for “inevitable earthquake activity in our region.”

LA Metro officials said trains would be running slower Tuesday night “as per our earthquake procedure to check for any damage.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said the state’s Office of Emergency Services and local first responders were “actively monitoring impacts” from the quake.

City News Service contributed to this report.