National

Two earthquakes reported within minute of each other in Tennessee, USGS says

Two earthquakes were reported back to back in southern Tennessee early Sunday morning, officials say.

Both quakes happened about 4.3 miles southeast of Sewanee, which is near the Alabama border and about 52 miles from Chattanooga, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The first, a 3.1 magnitude, hit at 3:33 a.m. and the second, a 2.8 magnitude, hit at 3:34 a.m.

The first was about 5.2 miles deep, while the second was about 4 miles deep, USGS says.

Many people reported to the USGS feeling the first quake, but only one has reported feeling the second to the agency.

Quakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or less are usually not felt, according to Michigan Tech. Those with magnitudes between 2.5 and 5.4 are often felt but cause only minor damage.

About 900,000 earthquakes with magnitudes of 2.5 or less, and 30,000 with magnitudes between 2.5 and 5.4 are recorded each year, Michigan Tech says.

Bailey Aldridge
The News & Observer
Bailey Aldridge is a reporter covering real-time news in North and South Carolina. She has a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER