NASA’s scientists in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena have predicted that Los Angeles has a 99% chance to experience a possible 5.0 earthquake or stronger within the next 3 years.

Dr. Andrea Donnellan, a JPL geophysicist, came up with this hypothesis by using radar and GPS to measure Southern California’s chances of a good sized earthquake.

“When the La Habra earthquake happened, it was relieving some of that stress, and it actually shook some of the upper sediments in the LA basin and moved those a little bit more,” Dr. Donellan told CBS Los Angeles News.

However, there is still strain within the land, which could produce a more powerful earthquake of up to 6.3 magnitude.

Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey believe that the chances are slightly lower. They believe there is an 85% chance of a magnitude 5 or greater earthquake hitting the area within the next 3 years. They used fault maps and models to come up with their percentage.

“We all need to be prepared. That’s not new for LA,” Dr. Donellan added.