5.1 magnitude earthquake hits near Ojai in Ventura County, felt widely across SoCal

OJAI, Calif. (KABC) -- A magnitude 5.1 earthquake jolted Ventura County Sunday afternoon as much of Southern California was bracing for Hurricane Hilary.

The quake hit around 2:41 p .m. and was centered about four miles southeast of Ojai, according to the USGS. At least six aftershocks have measured above 3.0.

"We don't know whether this would've been large enough to actually create a field expression," said earthquake expert Lucy Jones.

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake was reported in Ojai Sunday afternoon as Southern California braces for Hurricane Hilary.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, but according to social media users, it was felt across the greater Los Angeles area, including the Inland Empire.

"Every earthquake has something to teach us. The smaller ones we see so often, you start running out of new things to learn," said Jones. "This is the first time we've had a magnitude 5 since 1932 in exactly this location. Within the Ventura basin, it's just not common."

"This is the first time we've had a magnitude 5 since 1932 in exactly this location. Within the Ventura basin, it's just not that common." Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones discusses the 5.1 earthquake and powerful aftershocks that struck near Ojai in Ventura County.

The earthquake came as Tropical Storm Hilary was bringing heavy rain across Southern California.

Jones said the earthquake was not related to the severe weather. Currently, there is a 5 percent chance that there is a larger earthquake.