Magnitude 2.3 quake recorded in Grainger County; no damage or injuries reported.
RUTLEDGE, Tenn. (SMOKIES.LIVE) — A small earthquake was recorded near Rutledge early Thursday morning, according to preliminary seismic data.
The magnitude 2.3 earthquake occurred at 6:41:53 a.m. UTC, or about 2:41 a.m. EDT, near Rutledge in Grainger County.
Earthquakes of this magnitude are generally considered minor and are capable of producing light shaking near the epicenter, though they rarely cause damage.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage following the quake.
East Tennessee is one of the more seismically active regions in the eastern United States due to its proximity to the Eastern Tennessee Seismic Zone, where small earthquakes occur periodically. Most are too weak to cause damage but can occasionally be felt by nearby residents.
Officials encourage anyone who felt the earthquake to report their experience through the appropriate seismic reporting channels to help scientists better understand the event. Seismologists may revise the earthquake’s magnitude or location as additional data become available.
No responses yet