on the sets of local newscasts as well. jane wells? >> reporter: brian, it's how we roll out here literally. the usgs is now saying that the early warning system for this quake actually worked. they found out the quake was coming a few seconds before it hit which was too late to let the rest of us know. >> coming up, more problems -- >> earthquake. we're having an earthquake. >> ktla anchor chris schauble's face told you everything you need to. this is the strongest quake in the city of l.a. in four years, but at 4.4 it's considered modera moderate. it was under the santa monica mountains which was an area that surprised seismologists because it's been quiet. the quake has now been nicknamed on st. paddy's day by perez hilltop as the great shamrock shake of 2014. >> it was kind of scary. we ran out in the morning. everyone is naked standing on the porches. >> i was thinking get up, let's get out. our building is old and we live in los angeles. >> you know it's coming sooner