Greenwood County, South Carolina, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Greenwood County, SC was struck by four small earthquakes early Saturday morning, all felt by residents in the area. The largest of these quakes registered a magnitude of 3.0, following a series of seismic events that have increased in frequency over the past week. Despite the tremors, no damage has been reported, but local officials urge vigilance as part of the region’s historical pattern of seismic activity.
Greenwood County, South Carolina Experiences Four Small Earthquakes Early Saturday Morning
Greenwood County, SC, was jolted by a series of four small earthquakes early Saturday morning, marking significant seismic activity in the region. The quakes, which began shortly after midnight, affected local residents and were felt widely throughout the area.
The first earthquake was registered at 2.9 magnitude at 12:17 a.m., closely followed by a second quake at 3.0 magnitude just six minutes later. The third quake, measuring 2.5 magnitude, occurred at 12:41 a.m., while a fourth and milder quake with a magnitude of 1.5 was reported at 1:21 a.m.. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, hundreds of residents reported feeling the tremors associated with these earthquakes.
As of Saturday morning, there were no reports of damage resulting from these quakes. The two larger earthquakes garnered significant attention, with over 200 individuals noting they felt them by 10:30 a.m.. This series of events adds to a total of seven earthquakes observed in Greenwood County within the same night, with magnitudes ranging from 1.8 to 3.0.
Details of the Earthquakes
The earthquakes occurred along a stretch of the Saluda River near Lake Greenwood, close to the Laurens County border. The recent seismic activity is part of a concerning trend, bringing the overall count of earthquakes in the county to a total of 10 over the past week. This includes a magnitude 2.2 quake reported north of Coronaca on Monday, a magnitude 1.7 quake south of Coronaca on Tuesday, and a magnitude 2 quake south of Ware Shoals on Wednesday.
Historical Context
Historically, South Carolina experiences between six to ten earthquakes annually, with Greenwood County seeing a noted increase in activity over recent years. The recent spate of earthquakes fits into a broader pattern noticed since late 2023, indicating a rise in minor seismic events in the region. The earthquakes from Saturday fall under the category of micro quakes according to the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale, which measures the effects of earthquakes on people and structures.
This increase in seismic activity has led both residents and local officials to remain vigilant. Past experiences during similar episodes have shown that even minor earthquakes can capture public attention and raise concerns about safety and preparedness in light of potential larger seismic events.
In Summary
The earthquakes early Saturday morning in Greenwood County are a continuation of a noticeable rise in seismic activity for the area recently. While no significant damage occurred, the frequency and magnitude of these small earthquakes serve as reminders of South Carolina’s seismically active nature.
FAQ Section
What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes in Greenwood County?
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 2.9, 3.0, 2.5, and 1.5.
How many people reported feeling the earthquakes?
Over 200 people reported feeling the two larger earthquakes by 10:30 a.m.
Have there been reports of damage from these earthquakes?
No damage has been reported as a result of these earthquakes.
What is the overall trend of seismic activity in South Carolina?
South Carolina experiences between six and ten earthquakes yearly, with an increase in minor quakes noted since late 2023.
Key Features of Earthquakes in Greenwood County
| Magnitude | Time | Reported Feelings | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9 | 12:17 a.m. | Yes | No |
| 3.0 | 12:23 a.m. | Yes | No |
| 2.5 | 12:41 a.m. | Yes | No |
| 1.5 | 1:21 a.m. | No | No |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenwood County Experiences Minor Earthquakes
Large Fireball Streaks Across Southeastern United States
Additional Resources
- WLTX
- Wikipedia: Earthquake
- WXII 12
- Google Search: South Carolina earthquakes
- WYFF 4
- Google Scholar: South Carolina earthquake activity
- New York Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
- WLOS
- Google News: South Carolina earthquakes
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
