On Saturday at 9:04 a.m., a 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck near Greenback, Tennessee, about 30 miles southwest of Knoxville, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake originated at a depth of nearly 25 miles, categorizing it as shallow. Shaking was felt across several states, including Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Despite the widespread tremors, initial reports from Knoxville’s fire and police departments confirmed no immediate damage.

Thousands of residents reported their experiences to the USGS, most describing light or moderate shaking. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were filled with firsthand accounts. One Atlanta resident described it as “the first ever earthquake you could actually feel in Atlanta,” noting that the tremor lasted around 10 seconds. Another wrote they felt a slight tremor shaking their house, highlighting the quake’s reach even into northern Georgia.

Although there was no significant destruction, officials noted a 23% chance of aftershocks exceeding magnitude 3.0 within the following week. Such events aren’t rare in this region, as it lies within the East Tennessee Seismic Zone—one of the most seismically active areas in the southeastern United States. Tennessee has already experienced 21 minor quakes this month alone, although only three registered above 3.0 in magnitude this year.

This earthquake marks the seventh time since 1900 that Tennessee has recorded a quake of 4.0 or higher. The last significant quake occurred in 2018 near Decatur, registering at 4.4 in magnitude. The strongest in the region’s history was a 4.7-magnitude quake in Alcoa in 1973, showing that while the area isn’t known for frequent large earthquakes, it is not entirely immune.

Overall, the event serves as a reminder of the East Tennessee Seismic Zone’s potential for seismic activity. While this quake caused no reported injuries or structural damage, experts urge residents to remain aware of possible aftershocks and stay informed about earthquake safety.