East Tennessee experienced a 4.1 magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter located near Greenback, approximately 30 miles southwest of Knoxville.
The quake, which struck at 9:04 a.m. EDT, sent tremors across the region, with reports of shaking felt as far as Atlanta, northern Georgia, and parts of South Carolina and North Carolina.
This event, confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), marks the most significant seismic activity in the area since a 4.4-magnitude quake hit Decatur, Tennessee, in 2018.
The USGS reported that the earthquake originated 12.4 miles southeast of Greenback, within the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, one of the most active seismic areas in the southeastern United States.
This zone spans parts of Tennessee, northwestern Georgia, and northeastern Alabama, making it prone to occasional seismic activity.
The 4.1-magnitude quake was the seventh in the region to reach or exceed a magnitude of 4.0 since 1900, with the largest recorded being a 4.7-magnitude event in Alcoa in 1973.
Residents across East Tennessee described the shaking as a sustained rumble, with some likening it to a heavy vehicle striking their homes.
Social media posts on X captured the immediate reactions, with users reporting sensations ranging from mild vibrations to significant jolts.
One user in Western North Carolina noted that the upper floor of their home felt like it had been hit by a car, while others reported the quake lasting up to 30 seconds.
While the earthquake caused widespread shaking, no major damage or injuries have been reported as of the latest updates. Some areas experienced minor effects, including fallen trees and localized power outages, according to posts on X.
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg encouraged residents to report shaking through the USGS interactive map to help assess the quake’s reach and intensity.
Local authorities and emergency management agencies, including the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), are monitoring the situation.
TEMA previously highlighted February as Earthquake Awareness Month, emphasizing preparedness for such events, especially in seismically active regions like East Tennessee.