Experts

are trying to dispel rumors of an imminent major earthquake hitting the Reno area.

Of course earthquakes and their intensity can't be predicted. However, enough has happened that I don't want to stay in the area anymore.

False rumor No. 1: They’ve predicted that a major earthquake will occur some time soon.
Ken Smith, a seismologist with the lab, said they’ve heard one rumor that they’ve predicted a magnitude 7.0 earthquake is imminent. One person on the Reno Gazette-Journal online discussion forums said a magnitude 9.0 quake was supposed to hit on Wednesday based on Seismological Laboratory predictions.
“That’s not a credible statement,” Smith said. “Earthquakes cannot be predicted whatsoever.”
After Friday’s magnitude 4.7 quake that damaged some buildings in northwest Reno and knocked items off shelves, the laboratory said there would be an increased chance for a larger quake within 10 days.
“That’s a statistical statement based on the history of earthquakes of Nevada,” Smith said. “That has not changed.”
But they aren’t saying that a quake is certain or even likely, Smith said, and anyone who got that inference from their statements “got the wrong message.”
And beyond the 10-day period, there’s still a chance for a larger quake, Smith warned.