4.5-magnitude quake jolts two major Texas cities, USGS says. ‘Felt my apartment shake’

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake detected in South Texas was felt across more than 100 miles, and in two major cities, according to U.S. Geological Survey data.

The 4.5-magnitude earthquake — quite powerful compared to most that occur in Texas — happened at 9:26 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, the USGS says. It was detected about 12 miles east-northeast from the town of Falls City, which is roughly a 45-mile drive southeast from San Antonio.

Nearly 700 people reported feeling the quake to the USGS as of the morning of Jan. 30.

Those closest to the epicenter reported “moderate” shaking and “very light” damage caused by the earthquake, data shows. Residents of San Antonio said they felt the tremors as well.

Many San Antonians took to social media to make sure they didn’t imagine the ground wobbling beneath them.

“Um. Just felt my first earthquake ever and I live in San Antonio. Hello???” a user commented on X, formerly Twitter.

“Ain’t no way there’s earthquakes in San Antonio. (Why) did my whole desk just shake,” another wrote.

“I think there was just an earthquake in San Antonio. I just got home from the gym and felt my apartment shake,” said another.

In Austin, about 100 miles north from Falls City, plenty of people also reported the quake rattling their city, according to the USGS.

A second, smaller earthquake — a 2.6-magnitude — was detected several hours later near the 4.5 quake’s epicenter.

What to know about earthquakes

Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale.

Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people.

Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:

• If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.

• If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.

• If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.

• If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.

“Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.”

Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.

Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.

“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.”