San Clemente, CA – A light earthquake shook parts of coastal Orange County tonight after a magnitude 3.3 quake struck roughly 4 kilometers south of San Clemente, not far from the San Clemente Pier, San Onofre State Beach, and the Trestles surf break.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 8:36 p.m. UTC on Saturday at a depth of 12.7 kilometers. Although centered offshore, the tremor was close enough for residents in San Clemente, Dana Point, Camp Pendleton, and communities along the I-5 corridor to feel light shaking.
USGS “Did You Feel It?” responses reported mild intensity with no injuries or damage. The quake was also recorded near San Mateo Campground and the coastline surrounding the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, though no operational impacts were reported.
Seismologists note that earthquakes in the low-magnitude 3 range are common along the offshore fault systems between Orange County and northern San Diego County. While quakes of this size rarely cause damage, they often serve as reminders for residents to stay prepared, especially in regions with a history of larger seismic events.
As of Saturday evening, no aftershocks have been recorded. USGS teams will continue monitoring the area for additional activity.
Residents who felt the quake are encouraged to submit a report to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” platform to support ongoing community intensity mapping.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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