2 New Madrid Quakes Felt in Unusual Places Today

If you're interested in seismic activity in southern Missouri, there are two events today that you'll want to know about. Two separate New Madrid Fault quakes were felt today in somewhat odd places.

This is the USGS earthquake map for today revealing two New Madrid Fault quakes that were not in the Missouri boot heel region

Neither of these quakes could be described as anything but minor with the Tennessee tremor being measured at 2.3 magnitude and the other along the southern Missouri border only a measly 1.8 magnitude on the Richter Scale. The Tennessee quake was reportedly felt by someone who reported it to the USGS while the tiny 1.8 southern Missouri border quake wasn't even felt by the squirrel in the tree located directly above the epicenter. So, why mention these seemingly inconsequential quakes? Answer - February is Earthquake Awareness month.

I would like to point out there is a big difference between encouraging awareness and causing fake panic. I never want to do that second thing. There is no reason to worry about the New Madrid Fault because of unusual and/or tiny quakes. If you hear someone that's predicting a major quake, they're either misinformed or they're lying. No one can predict earthquakes. What I strive to do is continue to spread awareness that Missouri and the Midwest in general is one of the most seismically-active areas in America. A major quake will not give you any warning that it's about to strike. At some point in the future, the Earth beneath our feet will betray us and change our lives forever. If you live near the New Madrid Fault, you need to have some kind of emergency plan with your family. Know what you would do if/when a major quake event happens. What would you do if the bridges were suddenly closed down because of damage or needing inspection? Do you have some non-perishable food and water available to your family if stores were not able to be open? Let odd quakes like the ones confirmed today by the USGS be that reminder that you must be ready. The long-predicted major quake event along the New Madrid Fault may not happen in our lifetime or it might happen today.