Moderate Earthquake Hits Santa Barbara

[UPDATE]: USGS readings on the 7:38 a.m. quake have fluctuated between 4.6 and 5.3, so it’s unclear right now where exactly it fell on the Richter scale. Records show it occurred 4.3 miles below the earth’s surface, and that there was a 2.6-magnitude aftershock in the same general location at 7:50 a.m. There are still no reports of damage or injuries.

[ORIGINAL REPORT]:An earthquake that registered 4.9 on the Richter scale has just hit the Santa Barbara area. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, it struck at 7:38 a.m. and was centered around three miles west of Isla Vista, just offshore. Emergency radio traffic suggests there hasn’t been any major damage or injuries reported. Check back for updates.