Earthquake Swarm Rattles Region South of Missouri

The New Madrid Fault has decided to demand some odd attention just prior to the weekend as the most seismically-active area in the United States just had a mini-swarm of quakes just south of Missouri Friday.

UPDATE: Now there have been 4 New Madrid quakes Friday as a 2.3 magnitude quake in the Missouri boot heel has been confirmed by the USGS.

Typically, the New Madrid Fault will see a minor quake every day or two in the Missouri boot heel region. Not today.

This is what the USGS map shows for earthquake activity Friday morning. It's a trio of tremors all located near Strawberry, Arkansas just south of the Missouri border.

None of these quakes would even be considered moderate with the largest being a mere 2.2 magnitude quake.

There's nothing really concerning about this swarm of New Madrid quakes, but the location is odd. I check the USGS site every day of my life and I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen a northern Arkansas swarm like this. It's not unheard of, but it's not typical either. This doesn't mean the New Madrid Fault is necessarily gearing up for a larger event, but you never know.

I've driven to Batesville, Arkansas once which is where these quakes were located near and it's a beautiful part of that state. Just like southern Missouri, there are hills and trees everywhere. And, for Friday at least, there are 3 earthquakes, too. Go figure.