News Summary
A 4.1-magnitude earthquake occurred south of Knoxville, shaking residents in eastern Tennessee and extending as far as Atlanta. While felt widely, no significant damage or injuries have been reported. Local emergency services confirmed the area remained safe, and residents shared their experiences on social media, reflecting a community’s preparedness amidst seismic activity. Inspections were conducted to ensure safety across facilities, highlighting ongoing vigilance in the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, which has seen increased seismic events recently.
Knoxville, Tennessee
A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck south of Knoxville on the morning of Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9:04 a.m. ET. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 21 miles south of Greenback, Tennessee, and occurred at a depth of 15.4 miles. This seismic event shook residents across the Chattanooga area and other parts of eastern Tennessee, with reports of tremors extending to cities like Nashville, LaFayette in Georgia, and even as far as Atlanta.
Many local residents have taken to social media to share their experiences of the earthquake. For instance, one resident reported feeling the ground shake for around 25 to 30 seconds while at home. Videos also surfaced showing employees at a local plant in Maryville reacting to the earthquake as machinery rattled during the tremors.
Despite the strength of the earthquake, emergency officials in Knoxville reported no significant damage. Both the Knoxville Fire Department and the Knoxville Police Department received no damage reports following the quake. Furthermore, the Tennessee Valley Authority initiated inspections at its facilities as a safety precaution, though initial reports indicated no adverse effects.
Seismic Activity Context
This earthquake is notable as it marks one of only seven recorded instances of earthquakes measuring 4.0 magnitude or greater in the region since 1900. The last significant earthquake of similar size occurred in December 2018 in Decatur, which had a magnitude of 4.4.
Eastern Tennessee resides in the East Tennessee Seismic Zone, an area recognized for its seismic activity. In fact, over the past 30 days, 21 smaller magnitude earthquakes have been detected within this zone. Despite this recent uptick in activity, only three earthquakes exceeding a magnitude of 3.0 have been recorded in Tennessee over the past year, indicating that large tremors are infrequent.
While the United States Geological Survey indicated a low chance of aftershocks following Saturday’s earthquake, residents are still encouraged to remain vigilant. The probability of experiencing an aftershock with a magnitude of 3.0 or greater is estimated at 23% in the following week.
Community Reactions
Authorities believe that local communities are generally well-prepared for potential seismic events, though many residents still expressed surprise at Saturday’s earthquake. Experiences of shaking were reported from various locations including Collegedale, Hixson, and Ringgold, with many feeling the tremors while engaged in ordinary activities at home.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park also responded proactively by closing the Foothills Parkway West while inspections were conducted for safety assessments. These steps reflect a community-wide commitment to safety in light of seismic events.
Conclusion
In summary, the 4.1-magnitude earthquake that occurred south of Knoxville, Tennessee, on May 10, 2025, was felt widely across several southeastern states, but resulted in no immediate damage or injuries. As residents process the event and share their experiences, officials continue to monitor the situation and maintain safety protocols in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News
- USA Today
- The New York Times
- Google Search: Knoxville earthquake
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake
