Earthquake rattles eastern Tennessee, felt throughout parts of the Southeast
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - A small earthquake rocked eastern Tennessee at about 9 a.m. Saturday and was felt as far as metro Atlanta.
The United States Geological Survey originally reported it was a 3.5 magnitude earthquake, then updated the report to a 4.1 magnitude. The epicenter was reported to be in Blount County, near Greenback, Tennessee, about 30 miles southwest of Knoxville.
EN ESPAÑOL: Sismo de magnitud 4.1 en Tennessee; también se sintió y Georgia y Carolina del Norte
Blount County Emergency Management Agency Director Lance Coleman said there were no reports of injuries or damage across the county, but they did receive lots of phone calls.
A Tennessee Valley Authority representative said only one dam, Fontana Dam, saw enough movement to require inspection and they saw no issues.
Rural Metro Fire’s Jeff Bagwell said there was a brief gas leak in West Knox County, but that was the only call they responded to because of the earthquake.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park said a portion of Foothills Parkway West was shut down from the earthquake and will remain closed until it is inspected by the Federal Highway istration.
People reported feeling the earthquake in several parts of eastern Tennessee, including Knoxville and Chattanooga. Jennifer Hunter, of Maryville, Tennessee, shared a video with WVLT of her dogs reacting to the earthquake.
Tremors were even felt as far as Atlanta and parts of North Carolina, including near Charlotte. WANF reported they’ve received phone calls from residents from all over metro Atlanta to report their homes shaking.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Mark Nagi said they had no reports of damaged roads, but would be inspecting bridges throughout the next few weeks as a precaution.
USGS also forecasted a 23% chance for an aftershock, which could happen in the coming week.
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