Overnight Earthquake Rattles San Diego County

In the early hours of Friday, October 3, 2025, a 3.2-magnitude earthquake shook parts of Southern California, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake struck at 2:07 a.m. about two miles southeast of Warner Springs in Northern San Diego County, with a depth of roughly 10 miles. Though considered minor on the magnitude scale, the tremor was reported by around 100 residents, with reports reaching as far as San Diego and Bonita.

Many locals turned to social media, with one user noting they “felt shaking and came on X to see if there was an earthquake near San Diego.”

Understanding the Tremor Magnitude measures the amount of energy released at the source of an earthquake. While quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 are often felt by people, they rarely cause significant damage. Quakes of 2.5 or less are usually undetectable without instruments.

Still, earthquakes of any size serve as reminders of the region’s seismic activity. Earthquakes can trigger hazards such as fires, landslides, avalanches, or even tsunamis depending on their strength and location.

Earthquake Safety Tips Officials stress the importance of knowing how to react during a quake. Safety guidelines include:

• If in a car: Pull over, stop, and set the parking brake.

• If in bed: Turn face-down and protect your head with a pillow.

• If outside: Stay away from buildings—do not run inside.

• If indoors: Stay inside and move away from windows and doorways.
  

The most important step, experts say, is to Drop, Cover, and Hold On:

• Drop to your hands and knees.

• Cover your head and neck with your arms.

• Crawl under a sturdy table if one is nearby, holding on until the shaking stops.

• If no shelter is available, move to an interior wall and protect your head.
  

Authorities also remind residents to be aware of potential aftershocks, which can follow the initial quake and pose additional hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks, or structural damage.

While Friday morning’s quake was relatively small, it was felt across a wide area—serving as another reminder of the ever-present seismic risks in California. Source: MiamiHerald