On Great American Shakeout Day, Missouri Just Had an Earthquake

Somehow, I knew this would happen. As Missouri and many other states prepare for the Great American Shakeout event, the New Madrid Fault on cue just unleashed one of the top 5 strongest quakes of 2024 so far.

If you're somehow not aware, the Great American Shakeout is happening today, October 17. It's a scenario where first responders and others simulate what would happen if the New Madrid Fault had a major event. Guess what? The New Madrid Fault decided to participate, too.

The USGS has confirmed that a 2.7 earthquake shook the southern Missouri region at approximately 7:00am Thursday morning.

Let's state the obvious in that a 2.7 quake will not do any damage. It is, however, one of the top 5 strongest quakes along the New Madrid Fault region this year with a 3.8 being the strongest back in May.

The Great American Shakeout event in Missouri is about to take place as I write this as it's scheduled for 10:17am.

Over 2.1 million have committed to participate in this worst-case scenario practice in case the New Madrid Fault lives up to its expectations and unleashes a magnitude 7 or higher quake which the USGS estimates could happen sometime in our lifetime.

I just find it ironic that the New Madrid Fault also decided to participate in the Great American Shakeout in Missouri. Let's hope the 2.7 is the only thing it plans to contribute today.