Small Earthquake Shakes Long Beach Residents Describe a Strange Sound Like a Car Hitting Their House

On the evening of June 1, 2025, residents of Long Beach, California, experienced an unexpected jolt that had some describing it as a sudden thud — like a car crashing into the side of a house. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a 2.4-magnitude earthquake struck just before midnight, centered less than a mile from Long Beach and nearby cities including Signal Hill, Carson, and Rancho Palos Verdes.

The quake occurred about 7.6 miles beneath the surface, a typical depth for tremors in this seismically active part of Southern California. Despite its modest magnitude, the event was strong enough for many locals to feel a brief rumble and hear a distinctive noise that sparked conversations across social media, especially on platforms like X. One resident shared, “Odd earthquake in Long Beach? Very brief. Sounded like a car hit the side of the house.” Others confirmed feeling the shake in nearby areas like Signal Hill and Carson.

While this quake caused no reported damage or injuries, it serves as a reminder of Long Beach’s position within the dynamic Los Angeles Basin — a hotspot for ongoing tectonic activity. Historically, the city has seen more powerful events, most notably the devastating 6.4-magnitude earthquake in 1933 which struck in the early evening and resulted in significant destruction, 120 deaths, and millions in property damage.

On average, Southern California experiences dozens of minor quakes each year, with the greater Los Angeles area recording roughly 59 events between magnitudes 2.0 and 3.0 annually. Many of these tremors go unnoticed, but seismologists closely monitor the activity to better understand fault movements, especially given the presence of major fault lines like the San Andreas and Newport-Inglewood faults.

Emergency management officials emphasize the importance of preparedness, reminding residents that even small quakes can be precursors to more significant events. They encourage everyone in the region to stay informed through resources like the USGS and to have safety plans ready.

As Long Beach’s residents reflect on the unusual nighttime shaking and the eerie sound that accompanied it, the community’s resilience in the face of nature’s unpredictability remains strong. This minor quake, though fleeting, reinforces the reality that in Southern California, the ground beneath us is always moving — a fact that demands respect and readiness.