I was in California in the late 80s for the one that tipped over the elevated highway, etc. Don’t remember how big it was exactly, but it was a heckuva lot bigger than 5.8.
Think you’re referring to the Loma Prieta in Oct 89 (during World Serious in SF) was a 6.9 on Richter. Also its epicenter was closer to a densely populated area, causing deaths, structural damage, etc.
While today’s quake affected a broader area and overall far larger population, the center is not that close to a major metro area, closest being DC (or Richmond). And, from what I heard an expert say on the radio this afternoon, the way quakes rock/roll is different on the East vs West Coast.
“I was in California in the late 80s for the one that tipped over the elevated highway, etc. Dont remember how big it was exactly, but it was a heckuva lot bigger than 5.8.”
Once was crossing the Golden Gate bridge when an earthquake hit. It felt like all four tires on my car went flat at the same time. The beams on the bridge were swaying. Scary!