3.6-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Near Banning

Tremor felt across Southern California

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A preliminary 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Banning in Riverside County, California at 10:57 a.m. on February 17, 2026, according to the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was located 2.5 miles south of Banning.

Why it matters

Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Southern California, and this tremor, while relatively small in magnitude, serves as a reminder of the seismic activity in the region and the need for residents to be prepared for potential larger quakes in the future.

The details

The 3.6-magnitude earthquake was recorded by the USGS and felt across a wide area of Southern California, including the Inland Empire region. No immediate reports of significant damage or injuries have been made.

  • The earthquake struck at 10:57 a.m. on February 17, 2026.

The players

United States Geological Survey

The USGS is a scientific agency of the U.S. government that studies the landscape, natural resources, and natural hazards of the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

While this earthquake was relatively small, it serves as a reminder for Southern California residents to be prepared for the possibility of larger seismic events in the future by having an emergency plan, supplies, and insurance coverage.