- A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck Tennessee and was felt in Atlanta and North Carolina.
- The earthquake caused no significant damage or injuries.
- The Eastern Tennessee seismic zone remains an active area for earthquakes.
4.1-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Tennessee, Felt in Atlanta
A 4.1-magnitude earthquake hit Tennessee on Saturday morning. It shook the ground, and people felt it in areas as far as Atlanta, Georgia, and parts of western North Carolina The earthquake was strong enough to cause tremors in these regions but did not cause any significant damage.
The Earthquake Details
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred just after 9 a.m. ET. It struck near Greenback, Tennessee, located about 30 miles south of Knoxville. Greenback is roughly 125 miles northeast of Atlanta. News stations across Georgia and North Carolina reported feeling the tremors.
Possibility of Aftershocks
FOX 5 Atlanta meteorologist Alex Forbes said aftershocks could follow the main quake. However, he noted that it is unlikely the aftershocks will be strong enough to be felt in Atlanta. While aftershocks can happen after an earthquake, they are often less noticeable, especially far from the epicenter.
No Damage or Injuries Reported
As of now, there have been no reports of damage or injuries from the earthquake. Earthquakes of this magnitude typically don’t cause harm to buildings or infrastructure. The shaking may have startled people, but it was not strong enough to cause major problems. Local authorities are still monitoring the situation, but they have not found any serious effects from the quake.
Earthquake Activity in Tennessee
Earthquakes occur frequently in the region. The Eastern Tennessee seismic zone ranks among the most active seismic areas in the Southeast United States. This zone stretches across parts of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. It experiences frequent earthquakes, although most of them are small and do not cause significant damage.
Past Earthquakes in the Region
Tennessee has experienced a few notable earthquakes in recent years. In December 2018, two earthquakes struck the state. The first, a 4.4-magnitude quake, centered near Decatur, Tennessee, south of Knoxville, shook homes as far away as Atlanta. Residents in these areas felt the tremors and reacted with alarm to the sudden shaking.
A few days after the first earthquake, a second tremor hit the region. This one had a magnitude of 3.0 and occurred near Mascot, Tennessee, just southeast of Knoxville. It was felt in parts of Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina as well. These earthquakes are a reminder that the Eastern Tennessee seismic zone remains an active area for seismic activity.