Magnitude-3.6 earthquake shakes parts of Riverside County

Shaking reported in several cities, including Banning, Lake Elsinore, and Palm Springs.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A preliminary magnitude-3.6 earthquake was reported late Tuesday morning near Banning in Riverside County, California. Shaking was felt in several nearby cities, including Banning, Lake Elsinore, San Jacinta, Yucaipa, Hemet, and Palm Springs.

Why it matters

Earthquakes, even relatively small ones, are always newsworthy in California due to the state's seismic activity and the potential for larger, more damaging quakes. This quake serves as a reminder to residents to be prepared for seismic events.

The details

The earthquake was centered near Banning, a city in Riverside County. Shaking was reported in several surrounding cities, including Lake Elsinore, San Jacinta, Yucaipa, Hemet, and Palm Springs. The magnitude-3.6 quake is considered relatively small, but can still cause minor damage depending on the local soil conditions.

  • The earthquake occurred late Tuesday morning on February 17, 2026.

The players

Riverside County

The county in Southern California where the earthquake was centered.

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The takeaway

This earthquake serves as a reminder for Californians to be prepared for seismic activity by having an emergency kit, knowing evacuation routes, and being aware of the potential risks in their local area.