See several updates, including a statement from L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, at the bottom. The USGS downgraded the quake to a 4.4. Headline and story have changed to reflect the recalculation.

A preliminary 4.4 earthquake centered near Westwood shook Los Angeles awake this morning. The temblor was initially rated as a 4.7.

See also: 'The Big One' Earthquake Will Hit L.A. Harder Than We Thought, Scientists Say

The earthquake was centered about 5.6 miles north-northwest of Westwood, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS said the quake hit at …
]
 … 6:25 a.m.

On the Westside it seemed to feel stronger than the magnitude would suggest, and people across L.A. county reported feeling it.

No damage was reported, according to the L.A. Fire Department.

law logo2x b
The LAPD reminded folks via Twitter not to call 911 to report the earthquake. Go to www.usgs.gov for earthquake info.

Right?


[Added at 6:46 a.m.]: The USGS' “did you feel it” data reports that people experienced it in such communities as Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, Irvine, and even Oxnard.

[Added at 6:53 a.m.]: Lucy Jones, a USGS seismologist, told CBS Los Angeles there would be a five percent chance of a stronger quake striking in the next three days.

However, her main message for L.A. was that this is a reminder to be prepared for the Big One.

The L.A. Fire Department says crews are checking for damage by ground and air. The temblor struck near the Sepulveda Pass, the department said.

[Added at 7:01 a.m.]: The temblor struck about 5.28 miles beneath the surface, which is fairly shallow for an earthquake. That could explain why it felt so strong on the Westside.

The Metro transportation system says that commuters can expect slight delays as a result of the quake, according to City News Service. Metro reported no damage.

[Added at 7:16 a.m.]: LAX officials report no damage and say that scheduled flights have not been affected by the quake.

[Added at 7:42 p.m.]: Robert Graves of the USGS told reporters it was “a rather typical earthquake – moderate magnitude.”

He said the survey's early warning system worked and gave researchers a few seconds lead on the shaker, which would be typical for a temblor that's so close. (The system gives a bit longer warnings for quakes that are further away).

See also: Earthquake Warning System Is Running in Los Angeles, But Only A Few Are Hooked Up

[Added at 7:48 p.m.]: Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued this statement about the quake:

Today's earthquake is a reminder that every L.A. family must be prepared with food, water and other essentials, as well as a plan. While it appears the greatest impact of this temblor was a rude awakening, we are executing our post-earthquake protocols to survey our neighborhoods and critical infrastructure. I have been briefed by my Science Advisor for Seismic Safety, Dr. Lucy Jones, and will continue to monitor the situation.

The Los Angeles Fire Department received no reports of injuries or damage. As a precaution, personnel from all 106 fire stations have deployed into their local communities to survey the neighborhood and critical infrastructure such as hospitals and communications facilities.

DWP reports no main breaks or power outages; DWP crews will inspect infrastructure as a precaution.

Send feedback and tips to the author. Follow Dennis Romero on Twitter at @dennisjromero. Follow LA Weekly News on Twitter at @laweeklynews.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.