San Benito County, California – A magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck near Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area early Wednesday morning, part of a brief cluster of tremors south of San Jose.
According to preliminary data from the U.S. Geological Survey, the strongest quake occurred at approximately 5:34 a.m. Wednesday about 5 kilometers southwest of Ridgemark. Two additional earthquakes measuring magnitude 2.5 were recorded minutes before and after the larger tremor.
The earthquakes occurred at depths between 7 and 8 kilometers beneath the surface. The epicenters were located within San Benito County near Hollister Hills SVRA, east of Highway 25 and southeast of Gilroy.
No injuries or structural damage were immediately reported.
Shaking may have been felt in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and portions of southern Santa Clara County. Earthquakes below magnitude 4.0 are generally classified as light and rarely cause significant damage, though they can be noticeable indoors.
The area lies near the Calaveras Fault, part of the broader San Andreas Fault system, where periodic clusters of small earthquakes are common.
No impacts were reported along Highway 25 or nearby rural routes Wednesday morning. Early commuters along U.S. 101 south of San Jose may have experienced brief shaking.
Seismologists continue to monitor the area for additional activity. Residents are encouraged to review earthquake preparedness plans and secure heavy items inside homes.
