New Tool Lets You Simulate Humongous New Madrid, Missouri Quakes

One of the biggest mysteries about the big New Madrid Seismic Zone quake we've been told for years is imminent is how do you plan for it. There's a new tool that can help with that challenge as it lets you simulate huge New Madrid Fault quakes and see the damage.

This new tool is the result of an effort by the Central United States Earthquake Consortium. The experts in that group created a dashboard where you can see what would happen during many different New Madrid, Missouri earthquake scenarios. This is the result of a 7.5 magnitude quake with an epicenter in Scott County, Missouri.

This scenario roleplays a 7.7 magnitude quake with an epicenter in Poinsett County, Arkansas.

You can even break down a potential earthquake's impact on lives. Here's a look at what parts of Missouri would be without water and power from that 7.7 simulated quake.

What this tool makes possible is a way for Missouri law enforcement and even utility companies to see what kind of immediate need there would be in their communities if/when a major quake is unleashed by the New Madrid Fault.

How likely is a major earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone?

The St. Charles County, Missouri Emergency Management says "a quake of 6.0 to 7.0, the probability is 28-46% over the next 50 years". There is a 7 to 10% chance the fault could replicate the magnitude 8 quakes of 1811 and 1812 over the next 50 years, too.

In Missouri, we know that we need to be weather aware especially during the Spring months. This new tool is a reminder that we always need to be quake aware also.