On the morning of May 10, 2025, a magnitude 4.1 earthquake originating near Greenback, Tennessee, rattled homes across metro Atlanta and several nearby states. The quake struck just after 9 a.m. Eastern Time, with its epicenter located approximately 30 miles southwest of Knoxville, Tennessee, and about 13 miles southeast of Greenback.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake was recorded at a depth of about 15 miles, classifying it as a shallow quake. Residents in metro Atlanta, including those as far south as Lake Oconee, reported feeling the tremors, describing the sensation as their walls and floors shook. Many took to social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their experiences.
“Didn’t feel it at first, just heard the dishes rattling,” said Sue McCloud, a resident from Chattanooga, Tennessee. “Really strange feeling – at first I thought construction behind us, but no noise.”
The earthquake was significant enough to be felt across four states: Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Reports of shaking came from as far away as Asheville, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina, indicating the quake's reach.
In response to the earthquake, officials in Gilmer County, Georgia, advised residents to avoid placing breakable items above shoulder height. This precaution aims to minimize the risk of injury from falling objects in case of aftershocks.
This earthquake marks the seventh recorded in East Tennessee with a magnitude of 4.0 or greater since 1900 and the first significant quake since a 4.4 magnitude tremor hit Decatur, Tennessee, in December 2018. Historically, the largest earthquake in East Tennessee was a 4.7 magnitude quake that occurred in Alcoa in 1973.
Interestingly, the East Tennessee Seismic Zone—where Knoxville is located—is one of the most active seismic areas in the Southeastern United States. It covers parts of Tennessee, northwestern Georgia, and northeastern Alabama. While major earthquakes are rare in this region, the area does experience frequent seismic activity. In fact, the USGS reported that Tennessee recorded 21 earthquakes of lesser magnitudes within the past 30 days alone. Over the past year, only three earthquakes exceeded a magnitude of 3.0.
As of now, there have been no initial reports of significant damage from the earthquake. The Knoxville Fire Department and Police Department confirmed they had not received any calls regarding structural damage or injuries. However, the USGS has indicated a low chance of aftershocks, estimating a 23% chance of a magnitude 3 quake or greater occurring in the next week, and only a 5% chance of another quake reaching magnitude 4.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks. The seismic activity serves as a reminder that while Georgia may not be known for its earthquakes, the region is not immune to seismic events. In fact, more than three dozen earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or greater have been recorded in Georgia since 1974, according to the USGS.
As the story develops, updates will be provided to inform residents about any new information regarding the earthquake and its effects. For now, the focus remains on ensuring safety and preparedness in the wake of this unexpected seismic event.
In conclusion, the May 10 earthquake serves as a significant reminder of the geological activity that can occur even in areas not typically associated with major seismic events. As officials continue to monitor the situation, residents are advised to remain aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect their homes and families.
