Minute by minute, what would happen if 'The Big One' hit California

The West Coast is overdue for a massive quake along the San Andreas fault, a major fracture in the Earth 's crust that spans 800 miles up and down California .

This anticipated magnitude 8 quake would wreak havoc upon the state's famous cities, causing roughly 1,800 deaths, 50,000 injuries and $200 billion in damage.

So far this year , California has had 14 quakes stronger than magnitude 4.0 - the average number of magnitude 4 and above earthquakes for this region is about eight per year.

Experts are 'fairly confident that there could be a pretty large earthquake at some point in the next 30 years' .

Shakes travel about 2.5 miles per second , but generate high-intensity, side-to-side ground shaking that can topple buildings and knock you off your feet.

Locations further away from the fault line but within 60 miles of the epicenter - such as Four Corners and Blythe - could see intensity level six to seven shaking.

But the amount of damage to areas affected by this level of shaking will depend on how buildings are built.

Some areas could see considerable damage to poorly built buildings and some broken chimneys.

You may not find many people responding affirmatively, unfortunately,' Lux said. Californians should always remember that they live in earthquake country, she added. The San Andreas could rupture at any time, and people will need to be ready if they want to survive..