Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

After months of dry weather heading into 2025, Southern California is bracing for its third winter storm event in less than a month, and this week’s system is expected to be the strongest

The upcoming storm is likely to pose a higher risk for mudslides, debris flows and flooding than the rainfall this past week.