According to U.S. Geological Survey authorities, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 occurred

Wednesday morning off the coast of Malibu, California.

According to the USGS on Twitter, the earthquake was "too tiny" to for local cellphones to send out notifications.

The USGS's preliminary data indicates that the earthquake's epicentre was roughly 10 miles south of Malibu Beach.

The statement from authorities read, "We know some of you felt shaking

and we hope you took a precautionary measure like Drop, Cover, and Hold On."

In a notice, the Los Angeles Fire Department said that it had gone into "Earthquake Mode" 

and that all 106 of its stations would start inspecting the city for damage.

The notice stated that "this survey would be carried out from the land, air, and sea."

"Earthquake mode will be finished after this procedure is finished and reports are combined, providing there is no substantial damage."

The department said that there had been no initial reports of damage

or casualties as it finished its "Earthquake Mode" survey a short while later.