Southern California experienced a rare combination of natural events on Sunday, August 20, 2023, when an earthquake and a tropical storm hit the region on the same day. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.1, was centered near Ojai, about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
The tropical storm, named Hilary, was the remnant of a hurricane that made landfall along Mexico’s Baja coast and brought heavy rain and flash flood warnings to parts of Southern California.
The earthquake occurred at 2:41 p.m. local time and was followed by several aftershocks, some of which were greater than magnitude 3.0. The quake was felt in Ventura, Camarillo, Oxnard, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Barbara, parts of LA’s San Fernando Valley, Malibu, Porter Ranch, Manhattan Beach and other locations. No significant damage or injuries were reported, but some residents were startled by the shaking.
The tropical storm arrived in Southern California around the same time as the earthquake and lasted until Sunday night. It was the first time in decades that a tropical system had affected the region, which is usually dry and sunny in August. The storm dumped several inches of rain in some areas, causing flooding and mudslides. Some roads were closed and power outages were reported. The storm also brought strong winds and high surf to the coast.
A historic hurriquake
The term “hurriquake” was coined by some social media users to describe the unusual combination of an earthquake and a tropical storm. The hashtag #hurriquake quickly began trending on X after the quake. Some users joked about the double whammy of natural disasters, while others expressed concern and sympathy for those affected.
The hurriquake was indeed a historic event, as no tropical storm had made landfall in Southern California since September 25, 1939, when a system lost its hurricane status just before moving onshore in Long Beach. That storm caused widespread damage and killed at least 45 people. It was also the first time that a magnitude 5.0 or greater earthquake had occurred near Ojai since 1941, according to seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones.
A reminder to be prepared
The hurriquake also served as a reminder to Southern Californians to be prepared for natural disasters. Officials urged residents to have emergency kits and plans ready in case of earthquakes or floods. They also advised people to stay away from flooded areas and downed power lines, and to follow evacuation orders if necessary.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said on X that all 106 neighborhood fire stations in the city were conducting a strategic survey after the earthquake. “There are currently no significant initial reports of structural damage or injuries,” Bass added. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services said it was also assessing the situation and coordinating with other agencies.
Mother Nature dealt Southern California a one-two punch on Sunday with an earthquake and a tropical storm. The hurriquake was a rare and historic event that shook and soaked the region. Fortunately, no major casualties or damages were reported, but the event reminded residents to be vigilant and prepared for future disasters.