4.2 earthquake rattles Central Coast

UPDATE: 7/19/2016 10:21 PM: Two earthquakes that rattled the Central Coast on Tuesday have some wondering about a big one to come. But experts said this kind of activity is nothing out of the ordinary.

“The San Andreas will inevitably have another big earthquake at some point in time,” said Emily Brodsky, a professor at the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at UC Santa Cruz. “But there’s no pressing reason to think it’s going to happen today.”

Brodsky said the part of the San Andreas Fault in San Benito County moves about one inch each year.

“This particular area just south of Hollister tends to have magnitude 4.0’s every few years,” said Brodsky.

The first quake was a 4.2 magnitude and hit around 2:30 p.m. centered three miles southwest of Paicines, followed by a 4.0 in the same area.

KION’s Facebook page lit up with comments from people in Hollister, Santa Cruz, Gilroy and Monterey. Domi A. said, “(The) MOCO Government building rocked.” Deborah B. said it felt like it was right under her house.

But experts said there’s no reason to be alarmed — the earth’s plates move every day. Still, Brodsky said the quakes should serve as a reminder to always be prepared.

“It’s always exciting when there’s an earthquake and it’s always a good reminder that eventually there will be something much larger than a magnitude 4,” said Brodsky.

UPDATE: 7/19/2016 4:36 PM: The Central Coast was rattled by two strong earthquakes and a series of smaller aftershocks Tuesday afternoon.

The first quake hit at 2:38 p.m.. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the magnitude 4.2 quake was centered three miles southwest of Paicines. It was followed at 2:39 p.m. by a 4.0 quake centered east of Salinas in the Gabilan Range. Numerous aftershocks were also recorded.

The KION Facebook page received comments from people in Hollister, Salinas, King City and the Monterey Peninsula. Nona Devey of Fort Ord wrote, “Sure felt it! My cats ran for their lives!” Salinas resident Noel Magallon wrote, ” I felt it here in Salinas on S. Main. I live in a up stairs apartment and it scared the heck outta me.”

KION’s chief meteorologist Dann Cianca says the quakes are part of a cluster of earthquakes that have shaken the area recently. “We’ve seen over 30 quakes in the area since Sunday, and 12 were over magnitude 2.5,” he said.

KION’s Monica Jacquez is following the story and will have a complete report tonight at 10:00 on the CW, and at 11:00 on KION.

ORIGINAL POST: A magnitude 4.2 earthquake occurred just 3 miles southwest of Paicines at 2:38pm on Tuesday the 19th. With a depth of 3.3 miles, it was felt as far as Santa Cruz, Gilroy, and the Monterey Peninsula.

There were no immediate reports of damages.