An earthquake has struck California with locals warned about it via text moments before it happened. The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.2 and was near the mountain town of Julian, east of San Diego, according to the US Geological Survey.

Locals took to social media to share advice and comment on the new use of text alerts. Marty Caswell from San Diego wrote on X: "I can't recall ever getting a text alert before an earthquake, came in 5 seconds before apartment started swaying."

Another text sent to @AGraceMorgan63 read: "Earthquake detected! Drop, Cover, Hold On. Protect Yourself."

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said it received no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The quake swung light fittings and rattled shelves in the city. It was felt as far away as Los Angeles, a distance of 120 miles.

The quake was about 2.5 miles (4km) south of Julian, which is a picturesque town well-known in the state for its apple pies and bakeries.

Riley Ozuna, owner of the Julian Cafe & Bakery, said some cups fell on the ground at her business. She said: "But everything is OK."

Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has been briefed on the earthquake, his office said in a statement on social media. The state is working with local first responders to assess any damage.

California has been prone to earthquakes since the San Andreas Fault formed 25-30 million years ago.

Areas between Utah's Wasatch Mountains and the Sierra Nevada mountain range in eastern California are actively spreading and pushing westwards. A rift has also opened up starting in central Colorado, running to New Mexico.