Cluster of earthquakes reported hours apart near North Carolina town, USGS says

Another round of shallow earthquakes has been reported near Randleman in North Carolina’s Randolph County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The first of the three occurred around 8:45 p.m. Thursday and registered at 1.9 magnitude, the second was a 2.4 magnitude just after 7 a.m. Friday, and it was followed about two hours later with another 1.9 manitude, the USGS reported April 17.

That makes for five minor quakes since Easter Sunday, all centered in a region where earthquakes have been uncommon in the past 26 years.

As of 9 a.m. Friday, nearly 40 people have filed reports with the USGS about feeling “weak” shaking during the 2.4 quake early Friday. Most of the reports coming from High Point, Sophia and Randleman, data shows.

The three latest quakes were centered along Banner Whitehead Road, about 4.3 miles northwest of Randleman, and were not near any structures.

Randleman is about a 90-mile drive northeast from uptown Charlotte.

What to do in an earthquake

Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security. If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts:

• If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
• If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow.
• If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside.
• If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways.

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.

“Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.”

Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows. Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it.

“There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.”

This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 9:23 AM.