USGS Confirms Missouri Quake Near I-60 by Poplar Bluff

The New Madrid Fault just tapped everyone on the shoulder who lives in Missouri to remind us that it's there. The USGS has confirmed there was a quake Friday that wasn't in the typical boot heel location, but instead just off of I-60 near Poplar Bluff.

Here's the exact location of the Friday tremor that the USGS has now confirmed

Infographic, USGS

This was not a large quake by any measure. The USGS says it was a 2.4 in magnitude which is large enough to be felt, but no one so far has reported they did.

Infographic, USGS

We had several small tremors in the Missouri boot heel earlier this week that I didn't bother sharing because quakes happen in that part of the state frequently. It's not quite as common to see a quake to the northwest of Poplar Bluff, but it does happen every now and then.

The fact that Friday's quake happened next to Interstate 60 in southern Missouri is another gentle (fortunately) reminder that if a major quake were to strike this region, transportation disruptions would be almost a certainty. It would take days if not weeks or months for authorities to check bridges and overpasses to make sure they're safe for travel. That's why having an emergency earthquake plan is vital if you live in this part of Missouri. It will be a reality we'll all have to face sooner or later. Being prepared means you don't have to lose sleep over what you would to do deal with that kind of catastrophe.