Small Earthquake Rattles Southern California
A magnitude 3.4 earthquake struck near Torrance, California, on Sunday evening, February 22nd, 2026, at 9:40 pm local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake was initially reported 7 minutes ago, as of Monday, February 23rd, 2026, at 5:49 am.
The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 21 miles southwest of Torrance, at a shallow depth of 6.8 miles. Seismologists note that the exact magnitude, epicenter location, and depth may be subject to revision as data is further analyzed and reports from other agencies are considered.
The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) reported the earthquake as a magnitude 3.5, while the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) also recorded it as a magnitude 3.5.
While the quake was felt across parts of Los Angeles County, shaking was generally described as very weak. Nearby communities that may have experienced the tremor include Rancho Palos Verdes (population 42,700), located 14 miles from the epicenter; Torrance (population 143,600), 21 miles away; Redondo Beach (population 68,200), also 21 miles away; Long Beach (population 474,100), 22 miles away; Carson (population 93,300), 22 miles away; Hawthorne (population 88,500), 26 miles away; Compton (population 98,500), 28 miles away; and Huntington Beach (population 201,900), 28 miles away. It was likely not felt in Los Angeles itself (population 3,820,900), which is 37 miles from the epicenter.
Residents who felt the earthquake are encouraged to report their experiences through online platforms and mobile applications. The Volcanoes & Earthquakes app, available for both Android and iOS, offers rapid seismic alerts.
The USGS is the key international and national agency responsible for monitoring seismic activity in the United States. Further information on earthquake data and resources can be found through the Southern California Earthquake Data Center at Caltech.
This event follows a series of earthquakes off the coast of Palos Verdes in March 2025, including a magnitude 3.4 quake and several smaller tremors. A magnitude 4.1 quake occurred on March 9th, 2025, marking the seventh earthquake of magnitude 4 or larger ever recorded in that area. Seismic activity in the Malibu area has also increased over the past year, with a magnitude 4.7 temblor reported in September.