News Summary
A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Greeneville, Tennessee, causing tremors felt as far as metro Atlanta and parts of North Carolina. The quake, which occurred at 9:04 a.m. EST, originated 20 kilometers below the Earth’s surface. Over 40,000 individuals reported sensations of shaking, leading to confusion among residents. Local officials have recommended precautions in case of aftershocks, with a 5% chance of a significant aftershock occurring within the week. This incident highlights the rarity of seismic activity in the region, despite a history of minor tremors since 2020.
Greeneville, Tennessee – A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck on Saturday morning, causing residents across metro Atlanta and parts of North Carolina to feel the tremors. The earthquake’s epicenter was located near Greenback, Tennessee, which lies about 30 miles southwest of Knoxville. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed that the seismic event occurred at 9:04 a.m. EST.
The earthquake originated approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) below the Earth’s surface, classified as a shallow earthquake, which generally increases the potential for residents to feel the shaking. Reports indicate that over 40,000 individuals reached out to the USGS to share their experiences, with many residents describing vibrations that caused objects in their homes to rattle.
In addition to metro Atlanta, reports of the earthquake were noted as far south as Macon, Georgia, and in parts of North Carolina, including Asheville, located roughly 120 miles from the epicenter. Residents across these regions expressed confusion about the source of the shaking, with some quickly realizing it was an earthquake.
In response to the quake, local officials in Georgia have advised residents to exercise caution by storing breakable items securely and keeping them below shoulder height. Such precautions are part of being prepared for aftershocks that may follow. USGS Research Geophysicist William Yeck indicated that there is a 5% chance of an aftershock with a magnitude of 4 or larger occurring within the next week, adding to the concern for residents in the affected areas.
This earthquake is not an isolated incident; the state of Georgia has recorded minor tremors since 2020, with at least a dozen occurrences, three of which were in or around north Georgia. Historical data shows that significant seismic activity is relatively rare in the region, especially when compared to places like California, which is prone to major earthquakes due to its position along significant tectonic plate boundaries.
The event takes place within the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone, one of the most active seismic regions in the Southeast United States. This area is known for its small, deep fault lines. While Georgia’s geological activity is less frequent, it is still notable due to its position along the North American Plate, which generates occasional tremors. A notable previous earthquake in the area includes a 4.4 magnitude quake that occurred in December 2018, which was also felt in Atlanta.
As residents recover from the tremors, the information shared by both television meteorologists and community members about their experiences during the quake continues to circulate. The general consensus among those who felt the earthquake is one of surprise, as it is not a common occurrence in their daily lives. As the region moves forward, preparedness for potential aftershocks and continued awareness of seismic activity remain essential for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Tennessee Earthquake Rattles Homes in Metro Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- Fox Weather: Earthquake Shakes Southeast Atlanta
- Google Search: Earthquake Tennessee May 2025
- Atlanta News First: Tennessee Earthquake Rattles North Georgia
- Google Scholar: Earthquake Tennessee 2025
- NY Times: Earthquake in Tennessee Felt in Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- ABC News: Earthquake of 4.1 Magnitude Reported in Tennessee
- Google News: Earthquake Tennessee 2025
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
