Introduction: A Startling Morning in the Southeast
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, at precisely 9:04 a.m. EDT, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake rocked the southeastern United States, with its epicenter near Greenback, Tennessee. This seismic event, classified as a 4.1 earthquake by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), sent tremors across Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, startling residents from Knoxville to Atlanta. The earthquake today was felt as far south as Lake Oconee, GA, and as far east as Asheville, NC, marking it as one of the most significant quakes in the region since 2018.
In this comprehensive news story, we delve into the details of the Tennessee earthquake 2025, its impact on communities, the science behind the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, and what residents can do to stay prepared. With reports of rattling dishes, shaking walls, and social media buzzing with reactions, this earthquake in Tennessee today has captured widespread attention.
The Earthquake: Epicenter and Magnitude
The earthquake in TN just now originated approximately 12 miles southeast of Greenback, TN, a small town of about 1,000 residents located 30 miles southwest of Knoxville, TN. According to the USGS, the quake registered a magnitude of 4.1, though initial reports from the National Weather Service suggested a preliminary magnitude of 3.5. The depth of the quake was approximately 15 miles, classifying it as a shallow earthquake, which often results in more noticeable shaking at the surface.
The 4.1 earthquake today was significant for the region, as it was the largest quake in East Tennessee since a 4.4-magnitude event in Decatur, TN, in 2018. The largest recorded earthquake in the area since 1900 was a 4.7-magnitude quake in Alcoa, TN, in 1973. The Knoxville earthquake today was felt across a wide area, with reports of shaking in Maryville, TN, Farragut, Seymour, and even Atlanta, GA, approximately 170 miles from the epicenter.
Key Details:
- Date and Time: May 10, 2025, at 9:04 a.m. EDT
- Location: 12 miles southeast of Greenback, Tennessee
- Magnitude: 4.1
- Depth: 15 miles
- Affected Areas: Knoxville, TN, Atlanta, GA, Asheville, NC, Greenville, SC, Chattanooga, TN, and parts of Kentucky
Impact Across the Southeast
The earthquake today near Knoxville, TN caused no reported injuries or significant structural damage, but its effects were widely felt. Residents across multiple states described a range of experiences, from mild rattling to more pronounced shaking. Here’s a breakdown of the impact in key areas:
Knoxville, Tennessee
In Knoxville, TN, close to the epicenter, residents reported a “boom sound” followed by shaking that lasted 5-10 seconds. Dishes rattled, windows shook, and some described water tanks creating waves. The Knoxville Police Department confirmed the quake on social media, stating, “Yes, that was an earthquake that many felt in Knoxville.” The Knoxville Fire Department reported no damage, according to spokesman Mark Wilbanks.
One resident in Maryville, TN, just 14 miles from the epicenter, shared a video showing a plant trembling during the quake. “I didn’t feel it at first, just heard the dishes rattling,” said Sue McCloud from Chattanooga. The earthquake in Knoxville was particularly notable in the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, one of the most active seismic areas in the Southeast, covering parts of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama.
Atlanta, Georgia
The earthquake Atlanta today caught many residents off guard, with reports of shaking as far south as Lake Oconee and Newnan. In metro Atlanta, people described walls and furniture trembling, with dresser drawer handles rattling for several seconds. “Five minutes after 9 this morning, my bedroom started shaking,” said Lyle Mauer from Woodstock, GA.
Matthew Boedy, a professor at the University of North Georgia in Gainesville, GA, initially mistook the shaking for helicopters flying overhead. “I couldn’t figure it out until somebody told me it was an actual earthquake,” he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC). The earthquake in Georgia today prompted officials in Gilmer County, near the Tennessee border, to advise residents to secure breakable items to prevent damage from potential aftershocks.
North Carolina and South Carolina
The earthquake NC was felt in Asheville, approximately 120 miles from the epicenter, where residents reported weak shaking while enjoying their morning coffee. In South Carolina, the earthquake today Greenville, SC, and Spartanburg areas experienced mild tremors. The Carolina Weather Group launched a live stream to discuss the event, with residents describing it as the “worst one I’ve ever felt” in their lifetime.
Other Affected Areas
The earthquake today near Atlanta, GA, also reached Cleveland, Chattanooga, and parts of Kentucky. In Blairsville, GA, residents reported rumbling, while in Braselton, GA, northeast of Atlanta, Gabriela Reilly felt her entire home shake while making waffles. The wide reach of the 4.1 magnitude earthquake underscores the interconnected geology of the southeastern United States.
Social Media Reactions and Public Sentiment
The earthquake Tennessee today sparked a flurry of activity on social media, particularly on X, where residents shared their experiences and reactions. Posts ranged from serious reports to humorous takes on the event. For instance, one user shared an image of a single patio chair knocked over, captioned, “I survived the 2025 Knoxville earthquake.” Others expressed surprise, with comments like, “I’m here in Tennessee, and I feel my house shaking.”
The Knoxville news outlet, Knox News, reported 503 resident reports from Knoxville and 458 from Atlanta, indicating the quake’s widespread impact. The USGS earthquake tracker received hundreds of submissions through its “Did You Feel It?” tool, helping scientists map the quake’s reach. Social media also highlighted the novelty of the event, with many residents noting it was their first time experiencing an earthquake in East Tennessee.
The Science Behind the Quake
The earthquake in Tennessee 2025 occurred in the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, a region known for frequent but typically low-magnitude seismic activity. Unlike California, which sits along major tectonic plate boundaries, Georgia and Tennessee are located in the middle of the North American Plate. However, intraplate earthquakes, like the one in Greenback, TN, can still occur due to stresses within the plate.
According to the USGS, the earthquake east TN was a shallow quake, which explains why it was felt over such a large area. Shallow quakes, typically less than 20 miles deep, transmit energy more efficiently to the surface than deeper quakes. The 4.1 earthquake had a shake intensity of 3 or greater, classified as “weak” by the USGS, but strong enough to be felt outside the mapped area.
Historical Context
The East Tennessee Seismic Zone has a history of seismic activity, with 21 smaller-magnitude quakes recorded in the past month alone. The earthquake in TN on May 10, 2025, was the seventh quake of 4.0 magnitude or greater in the region since 1900. Notable past events include:
Read More
- 1973: 4.7-magnitude quake in Alcoa, TN
- 2018: 4.4-magnitude quake in Decatur, TN, felt as far as Atlanta
The earthquake monitor systems in place today, including the USGS’s real-time reporting, allow scientists to track and analyze these events with precision, providing valuable data for future preparedness.
Safety and Preparedness Tips
While the earthquake today in Tennessee caused no major damage, it serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness, even in regions not typically associated with seismic activity. Here are some tips for residents in Tennessee, Georgia, and surrounding areas:
- Secure Heavy Objects: Anchor bookshelves, TVs, and other heavy items to walls to prevent them from falling during a quake. In Gilmer County, GA, officials advised avoiding placing breakable items above shoulder height.
- Create an Emergency Plan: Identify safe spots in your home, such as under sturdy furniture, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drills.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include water, food, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies.
- Stay Informed: Use tools like the USGS earthquake tracker or local news apps, such as Atlanta News First or Knox News, to stay updated on seismic activity.
- Aftershock Awareness: Smaller aftershocks may occur in the days or weeks following a quake. The USGS predicts that the aftershock area for the Greenback, TN earthquake is contained around the epicenter.
Community Response and Official Statements
Local authorities and emergency services responded swiftly to the earthquake in Georgia today. The Knoxville Police Department and Knoxville Fire Department confirmed no damage or injuries, reassuring residents. In Georgia, the National Weather Service in Atlanta tweeted, “To some of you in Northern Georgia, yes, that was an earthquake you felt a little bit ago,” linking to USGS data.
Atlanta news outlets, including Atlanta News First and the AJC, reported on resident experiences, with many calling in to describe shaking walls and floors. The Carolina Weather Group in South Carolina provided live updates, while WYFF in Greenville, SC, covered the quake’s impact in the Upstate region.
Looking Ahead: Aftershocks and Future Quakes
The USGS indicates that smaller aftershocks are possible in the Greenback, Tennessee area in the coming days or weeks. While the likelihood of a larger quake is low, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant. The earthquake in East Tennessee today highlights the need for ongoing research and preparedness in the East Tennessee Seismic Zone.
Scientists continue to study the region’s seismic activity, using data from the earthquake tracker and resident reports to improve prediction models. The earthquake May 10, 2025, serves as a wake-up call for communities to prioritize safety and awareness.
Conclusion
The 4.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Greenback, TN, on May 10, 2025, was a rare and startling event for the southeastern United States. From Knoxville to Atlanta, residents felt the tremors, sparking conversations about seismic activity in a region not typically associated with earthquakes. The earthquake today underscores the importance of preparedness, even in areas considered low-risk.
As communities reflect on the Tennessee earthquake 2025, resources like the USGS, Knoxville weather reports, and local news outlets provide critical information for staying informed. By taking proactive steps, residents can ensure their safety and resilience in the face of future seismic events.
Reference:
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazards Program
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC)
- Knox News
- Atlanta News First
- WYFF News
FAQs
Q: Was there an earthquake in Tennessee today?
A: Yes, a 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Greenback, TN, on May 10, 2025, at 9:04 a.m. EDT, with tremors felt in Knoxville, Atlanta, and parts of North Carolina and South Carolina.
Q: Did Atlanta just have an earthquake?
A: The earthquake Atlanta 2025 was not centered in Atlanta but was felt there due to a 4.1 magnitude quake in Greenback, TN, approximately 170 miles away.
Q: What time was the earthquake in Georgia today?
A: The earthquake in Georgia today occurred at 9:04 a.m. EDT on May 10, 2025, originating in Tennessee.
Q: Was there an earthquake in East Tennessee today?
A: Yes, a 4.1 earthquake struck East Tennessee near Greenback on May 10, 2025, affecting Knoxville, Maryville, and surrounding areas.
Q: How bad was the earthquake in North Carolina today?
A: The earthquake NC today was mild, with weak shaking reported in Asheville and other areas, caused by the 4.1 magnitude quake in Tennessee.
Q: Did Knoxville just have an earthquake?
A: Yes, the earthquake in Knoxville occurred on May 10, 2025, at 9:04 a.m. EDT, with residents reporting shaking and rattling.
