News Summary

A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck East Tennessee, with an epicenter near Greenback. Residents across multiple states reported tremors, though there was no significant damage. This quake is one of the notable seismic events in the region’s active history, marking the seventh instance since 1900 where a quake of 4.0 or greater has occurred. Authorities monitored for possible aftershocks, while inspections at key facilities found no damage, underscoring the need for public awareness on seismic preparedness.

Greenback

A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck East Tennessee on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9:05 a.m. ET. The quake’s epicenter was roughly 21 kilometers southeast of Greenback, Tennessee, occurring at a depth of about 15 miles, which categorizes it as a shallow quake.

Preliminary estimates originally suggested a magnitude of 3.5 before being revised to the final measurement of 4.1. Within the first hour of the event, over 30,000 reports of the earthquake were filed with the United States Geological Survey (USGS), indicating widespread awareness among residents of the affected regions. Reports of sensations from the quake extended beyond Tennessee, with individuals in South Carolina, North Carolina, and North Georgia also stating they felt the tremors.

In South Carolina, notable areas that experienced the quake include Greenville, Anderson, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg Counties. Many residents in these regions initially confused the earthquake’s vibrations for construction noise or household activities. The Knoxville Fire Department and Police Department reported no significant damage from the earthquake, suggesting the tremors did not cause immediate harm to infrastructure or public safety.

The earthquake marks the seventh instance of an earthquake measuring 4.0 magnitude or greater in East Tennessee since the year 1900. The region is known for its seismic activity, as evidenced by a record of 21 lesser magnitude earthquakes recorded in Tennessee over the past month alone. Prior to this earthquake, the last significant seismic event was a 4.4-magnitude quake in Decatur, Tennessee, in 2018, and the largest earthquake on record in East Tennessee occurred in 1973, measuring 4.7 magnitude near Alcoa.

Officials have assessed the potential for aftershocks, indicating a 5% chance of an aftershock of magnitude 4 or larger occurring within the next week. As a precautionary measure, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) conducted inspections at critical facilities, including the Fort Loudon and Tellico dams, but found no damage. Additionally, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed the Foothills Parkway West section for inspection following the earthquake to ensure visitor safety.

The East Tennessee Seismic Zone is recognized as one of the most active earthquake areas in the Southeast United States, drawing attention to the importance of preparedness and public safety measures for residents in the vicinity. Although the tremor itself did not result in significant damage, the episode serves as a reminder of the natural events that can impact the region and the necessity for continued monitoring and public awareness.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

4.1-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southeastern U.S.
Elgin, South Carolina Experiences 2.0 Magnitude Earthquake

Additional Resources

• Knox News
• Google Search: earthquake east tennessee
• WATE News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: earthquake
• WBIR News

Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

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