News Summary

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck southeastern Tennessee, centered near Maryville, at 9:04 a.m. Eastern Time. Residents across the Southeast reported feelings of shaking, with over 40,000 notifications sent to the U.S. Geological Survey. The event caused minor disruptions but resulted in no significant damage or injuries. The USGS predicts low chances of aftershocks but a potential for future seismic activity in the region, which has a history of notable earthquakes.

Maryville, Tennessee

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck southeastern Tennessee just after 9 a.m. on Saturday morning, rattling residents and creating a wave of reports across the region. The earthquake, confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), was centered approximately 15 miles south of Maryville and occurred at a depth of about 15 miles (24.9 kilometers).

The seismic event, initially rated at a magnitude of 3.5 with a depth of 26.1 kilometers, was subsequently upgraded. The epicenter was located approximately 13 miles southeast of Greenback, Tennessee, and about 84 miles north of Blairsville, Georgia. The earthquake struck at 9:04 a.m. Eastern Time.

Widespread Reports of Shaking

Reports of shaking were felt across much of the Southeast, with over 40,000 individuals notifying the USGS of their experiences. Regions such as Atlanta, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Asheville reported noticeable tremors. Residents from various parts of Georgia and the Carolinas, including Woodstock, Lumpkin County, Clarkesville, Eastanollee, as well as areas in South Carolina and North Carolina, notably Greenville and Charlotte, also noted they felt the quake.

The duration of the shaking varied, lasting between 5-10 seconds in some locations and up to 20 seconds in others, especially observed in Blairsville, Georgia. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or significant damage as a result of the earthquake.

Aftershocks and Future Predictions

According to the USGS, there is a low chance of aftershocks from this earthquake. The agency predicts a 23% probability of a magnitude 3 quake or greater occurring within the next week, allowing residents to assess potential concerns for future tremors.

Historical Context

The Eastern Tennessee seismic zone is known for its activity, with this recent earthquake marking another instance in a history of notable tremors. A previous earthquake of magnitude 4.4 occurred in December 2018, illustrating the region’s seismic history.

Acoustic and Physical Effects

Witnesses have described the sound produced by the earthquake as akin to a loud truck rumbling by or someone stomping on a roof, which often preceded the sensation of shaking. Furthermore, video footage captured the earthquake’s impact on local infrastructure: machinery at a plant in Maryville was observed shaking, along with videos from household security cameras in other areas, illustrating the event’s reach.

As residents begin to process this seismic incident, community leaders and emergency services remain on alert, prepared for any effects that may arise from potential aftershocks. The quick response and communication from agencies like the USGS serve to keep the public informed and aware.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Atlanta Metro Area
4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Tennessee and Georgia Regions

Additional Resources

• Now Habersham
• Wikipedia: Earthquake
• Fox Weather
• Google Search: earthquake Tennessee
• Atlanta News First
• Google Scholar: earthquake Tennessee
• WSB TV
• Encyclopedia Britannica: earthquake
• Fox Weather – Extreme Weather
• Google News: earthquake Tennessee

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

ATLANTA STAFF 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.