The San Andreas Fault’s rupture intervals vary, but some sections typically experience large earthquakes every 100 to 150 years. The southern portion, however, hasn’t had a major quake in over 300 years, leading many experts to believe the region is overdue for a significant event.

A 2008 study, known as the ShakeOut Scenario, predicted that a 7.8-magnitude earthquake along the southern San Andreas Fault would trigger severe shaking across a wide area, leading to collapsed infrastructure, widespread fires and prolonged power outages.

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America's most deadly natural disasters waiting to wreak havoc