4.1 Earthquake Hits East Tennessee, Felt Regionwide

On May 10, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Greenback, East Tennessee, at a depth of 12–16 miles below the surface, making it one of the strongest in the region since 1900. The tremor was felt across several states as far as Atlanta and western North Carolina, causing items to fall off shelves and waves in swimming pools, but resulting in no significant damage or injuries. Over 20,000 people reported feeling the quake, with many residents unprepared for such an event. The East Tennessee Seismic Zone, the second most active in the eastern U.S., frequently experiences minor quakes, though larger events are rare. The USGS estimates a 9% chance of a 4.0 magnitude or greater aftershock within the next year. Authorities and experts urge residents to treat the quake as a reminder to improve earthquake preparedness.