Earthquake Strikes Tennessee, Felt in Atlanta and Western North Carolina

A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck Tennessee Saturday morning and was felt as far as Atlanta and western North Carolina.

What We Know

The U.S. Geological Survey said it happened shortly after 9 a.m. ET near Greenback, Tennessee, which is about 30 miles south of Knoxville. That’s about 125 northeast of Atlanta.

New stations in Georgia and North Carolina reported feeling tremors from the quake.

FOX 5 Atlanta meteorologist Alex Forbes said although aftershocks are possible, it’s not likely they’ll be felt in Atlanta.

What We Don’t Know

As of Saturday evening, there were still no confirmed injuries or major damage. Earthquakes of this magnitude typically don’t cause damage.

Earthquake shake map (USGS)

Prior Earthquakes in Tennessee

The backstory: Earthquakes are not uncommon in the region. The Eastern Tennessee seismic zone is one of the most active in the Southeast and extends across parts of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.

Two tremors struck in December 2018. One was a 4.4 magnitude earthquake that was centered in Decatur, Tennessee, which is south of Knoxville. It shook homes as far away as Atlanta.

Another earthquake struck a few days later with a magnitude of 3.0. Its epicenter was about two miles (four kilometers) southeast of Mascot, near Knoxville. It also was felt in parts of Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

Understanding Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s lithosphere, which is the outermost solid layer of the planet. This energy release creates seismic waves that can cause the ground to shake, sometimes violently, and can lead to damage to structures and infrastructure.

The magnitude of an earthquake is a measure of the size of the seismic waves it produces. The magnitude scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves.

Earthquake Safety

While earthquakes can be terrifying, there are steps you can take to stay safe during an earthquake. If you are indoors, drop to the ground and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a table or desk. Hold onto the furniture to keep it from moving away from you.

If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and other hazards. If you are in a vehicle, pull over to the side of the road and stay in your vehicle until the shaking stops.

Conclusion

The earthquake that struck Tennessee on Saturday morning was a reminder that earthquakes can occur at any time and can affect areas far from the epicenter. While the damage from this earthquake was minimal, it is essential to be prepared for earthquakes and to know what to do during and after an earthquake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between a earthquake and a tremor?

A: A tremor is a small earthquake that is usually not felt by people. An earthquake is a larger seismic event that can cause damage and be felt by people.

Q: How can I prepare for an earthquake?

A: You can prepare for an earthquake by having a disaster plan in place, securing heavy furniture and objects to walls, and having a emergency kit with essential supplies such as food, water, and first aid.

Q: What should I do during an earthquake?

A: During an earthquake, drop to the ground and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture. Hold onto the furniture to keep it from moving away from you. If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, power lines, and other hazards. If you are in a vehicle, pull over to the side of the road and stay in your vehicle until the shaking stops.

Q: How can I stay safe after an earthquake?

A: After an earthquake, be cautious when exiting buildings and avoid standing near buildings, power lines, and other hazards. Check for injuries and provide assistance if needed. Be prepared for aftershocks, which can occur in the days, weeks, or even months following an earthquake.

The Source: This report includes information from FOX 5 meteorologist Alex Forbes, the U.S. Geological Survey, and The Associated Press.