Is it safe to travel to California? The US state is preparing for the ’Big One’

An earthquake predictor – which forecasts earthquakes based on astrology and planets’ alignment with Earth – has predicted that the Big One will happen soon.

Frank Hoogerbeets believes this will happen between February 21 to March 7.

He said: “In this timeframe a rare geometry will cause a significant seismic increase, with probably one or two magnitude 7.8 earthquakes at least.

“But there is a definitely the potential for mega-thrust earthquake with magnitude 8 or even 9.”

David Schwartz, a US Geological Survey (USGS) geologist warned about the destruction such an event would cause.

He has warned that in the “worst-case scenario”, towns and cities across northern California could be engulfed by “tremendous” firestorms in wake of the earthquake.

“People are going to be tremendously surprised at the damage that ensues,” he added.

The Foreign Office states that California, among other places in the US are prone to earthquakes.

Earthquakes happen when cracks appear in the Earth’s surfaces – called fault lines.

California – an area with a lot of fault lines – is very prone to earthquakes.

One of the main ones is called the San Andreas Fault – which was responsible for the 1906 earthquake in San Francisco which killed 3,000 people.

Is it safe to travel to California? The Big One may happen along the San Andreas Fault

Being on the fault lines means the US state also regularly experiences earthquakes of small magnitudes.

It has been hit with 7,716 small scale earthquakes in the past 365 days.

The Foreign Office do not currently have any particular travel warnings for California, apart from the normal risk.

This means travellers will have to assess the risk and try to stay away from areas more prone to earthquakes.

Earthquakes are more likely to happen by the coast than in the Eastern part of the state.

California has not been struck by an earthquake with the magnitude 7 or greater since 1906.

Even though earthquakes are rare, it is important to take steps in case you get caught off guard.

This can be as small as carrying a whistle or flashlight, avoid walking under things that can fall on you, and making yourself familiar with the UK embassy.

You should also check with your travel insurance to make sure you are covered for anything that may happen.

When travelling, you should always check where your nearest safe-place is. You can ask this at the hotel you are staying at.