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Dust Devils and Quakes Rattle Southern California
31 Jul
Summary
- Dust devils can cause damage, according to the National Weather Service
- 4.3 magnitude earthquake hit California's Inland Empire on July 31
- No immediate reports of damages or injuries from the quake
On July 31, 2025, Southern California experienced a seismic shake as a 4.3 magnitude earthquake hit the Inland Empire region. According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time, with smaller tremors ranging from 2.8 to 3.1 magnitude reported shortly before and after.
The epicenter of the 4.3 magnitude quake was located about 4 miles west of Muscoy, California, at a depth of 3.3 miles. Local residents described the event as a sudden jolt or movement. Fortunately, no damages or injuries were immediately reported.
While the earthquake may have been a relatively moderate one, the National Weather Service cautions that even smaller dust devils can still cause significant damage. These whirlwinds, though less intense than tornadoes, can pose a threat to property and safety in the region. The Inland Empire and surrounding areas will need to remain vigilant for any potential impacts from both seismic activity and extreme weather events in the days and weeks ahead.
