Rare Warning Of Huge Quake Hitting Southern California Tuesday Has Many Shaken Up, Stocking Up

ORANGE (CBSLA.com) — The warning of a big earthquake hitting Southern California Tuesday has many shaken up and stocking up.

The U.S. Geological Survey said an earthquake with a 7.0 magnitude or greater could strike by Tuesday.

The chance of a mega-quake went up after a swarm of small quakes near the San Andreas Fault rattled the Salton Sea over a week ago.

The risk is temporarily elevated to 1 percent above normal.

In a rare move, San Bernardino city officials have shut down their city hall for a couple days until the risks subside. The building doesn't meet seismic standards.

The warning prompted some to stock up on emergency supplies including 55-gallon drums of water.

Dave O'Brien, who works at an army supply store in Orange, said since the alert was issued, small waters, energy bars, three-day food kits and survival kits for the car are selling out.

"We have an additive that will give it (water) a five-year shelf life. But right now, we are out of it," he said. "They're concerned about not being able to get to any food or water the next two weeks."

Emergency supply websites, like Sunset Survival, said business has tripled in the last week.