Tennessee Earthquake: 4.4 Magnitude Tremor 'Was Felt 160 Miles Away'

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake was recorded Tuesday in Tennessee, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The rumble could reportedly be felt in Atlanta.

Statistics on the quake said it hit 7 miles northeast of Decatur. It was at a depth of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), the agency said in an advisory posted to its website. According to the Associated Press, a 3.3 magnitude aftershock struck approximately 13 minutes later.

WTLV-TV meteorologist Mike Prangley tweeted: "The 4.4 earthquake is considered a small earthquake on the Richter Scale but near the epicenter near Decatur in Tennessee was felt 160 miles away in Atlanta. It was like 60,000 kg of TNT going off!" In a second Twitter update, he added, "Not a damaging type earthquake but a lot of shake, shake, shake felt in 7 states!!"

The 4.4. tremor was felt in Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama and the Carolinas. Local media stations reported that the Tennessee earthquake had largely been centered around Meigs County.

The 4.4 earthquake is considered a small earthquake on the richter scale but near the epicenter near Decatur in Tennessee was felt 160 miles away in Atlanta. It was like 60,000 kg of TNT going off! @FCN2go @precious2311 @tiffanyaileen12 @Ash_Pulliam pic.twitter.com/vWq1bFl2rC

— Mike Prangley (@fcnmike) December 12, 2018

2 Earthquakes this morning in Meigs County. Did you feel it?!? 4.4 is enough to break windows but not much more than that. pic.twitter.com/lrSRR582pW

— Trent Magill (@TrentMWeather) December 12, 2018

This is a developing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Jason Murdock is a staff reporter for Newsweek. 

Based in London, Murdock previously covered cybersecurity for the International Business Times UK ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go