A 4.1-magnitude earthquake in Tennessee startled families and shook homes in Atlanta and surrounding areas in the southern U.S. on Saturday morning. The quake, which struck near Greenback, Tennessee, did not cause any injuries or significant damage.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred around 9 a.m. EDT, approximately 12 miles from Greenback, south of Knoxville. Following the event, USGS received over 23,000 reports from the public within the first hour. Meteorologists at television stations in Georgia and North Carolina also felt the tremors.
USGS mentioned a 5% chance of a magnitude 4 or higher aftershock in the coming week. Gabriela Reilly in Braselton, Georgia, felt her home shake as she was making waffles with her husband. Meanwhile, Jason Pack, near Knoxville, described waking up to the shaking walls and loud rumbling.
Despite the earthquake being relatively small, it serves as a reminder to be prepared. USGS noted that significant damage typically occurs at magnitudes above 4 or 5. The southeastern U.S., including the East Tennessee Seismic Zone where the earthquake occurred, faces an earthquake risk.
This event in Tennessee is among several earthquakes that have hit the region in recent years. The Eastern U.S. is more susceptible to feeling seismic waves due to its geological composition, according to USGS spokeswoman Ayesha Davis.
Reporting by Finley, from Norfolk, Virginia.
