LIST: Strongest recorded earthquakes in East Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A 4.1 magnitude earthquake was confirmed in East Tennessee Saturday morning near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line by the U.S. Geological Survey. Although for the earthquake was felt across the region, it is not among the top five strongest magnitude earthquakes recorded by the USGS in the 6 News region.
According to USGS, the earthquake happened about 12 miles southeast of Greenback around 9:04 a.m. and was around 16 miles deep.
4.1 magnitude earthquake confirmed in East Tennessee
6 News reviewed USGS records from as early as 1900 to find the highest magnitude earthquakes in our viewing area. Here are the top five strongest magnitude earthquakes the 6 News coverage areas of East Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky.
Date
Area
Magnitude
Nov. 30, 1973
Alcoa
4.7
Nov. 3, 1928
Greeneville
4.5
Dec. 12, 2018
Decatur
4.4
Jan. 2, 1954
Middlesboro, KY
4.3
March 27, 1987
Vonore
4.2
There were also two earthquakes rated at the same magnitude as what USGS categorized Saturday morning's earthquake as. The first. of those earthquakes happened on March 28, 1913 in Lutrell, and the second happened on September 7, 1956 in New Tazewell. The strongest magnitude earthquake that has happened within the region since 2020 was a 3.8 magnitude earthquake in the Fincastle area of Campbell County.
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The earthquake was felt at the 6 News station on North Broadway, and viewers also reported feeling the earthquake in areas of across the region. According to the USGS, several factors can impact how far an earthquake can be felt, including the magnitude, location, and depth of the earthquake, as well as the overlying soil conditions. The agency collects a variety of data, including reports from people who feel earthquakes. Learn more about the USGS's 'Did You Feel It' data collection here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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